PRESENTS

2014

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PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Susan A. Bocamazo, Esq. This special section honors Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Top Women of Law for 2014. EDITOR Henriette Campagne I’m pleased to announce this year’s scholarship recipient, S. Mayumi Grigsby. MANAGING EDITOR A third-year student at Northeastern University School of Law, she already David E. Frank, Esq. has made signifi cant contributions in the public interest arena. She was OPINION EDITOR recently named the Ella Baker Fellow at the Center for Constitutional Rights, Thomas E. Egan, Esq. and recently returned from Port-au-Prince in Haiti where she conducted

OPINION DIGESTER legal research on international human rights litigation and worked on cases Jill Taintor, Esq. involving gender-based violence in that country. You’ll learn more about her in the profi le included in this section. NEWS REPORTERS Brandon Gee Patrick Murphy, Esq. This year’s Circle of Excellence is made up of six women who have been honored in the past, but whose continuing achievements and contributions to the community merit additional recognition. WEBSITE EDITOR / NEWS REPORTER Noah Schaff er Both the Circle of Excellence and the other Top Women honorees were selected by a panel comprised of ASSOCIATE EDITOR members of the legal community and representatives from Lawyers Weekly’s editorial department. The judges Matt Yas looked for those who have made signifi cant contributions to the legal profession and who are role models for young women entering the law. ART DIRECTOR Terry Driscoll I hope that you enjoy learning more about the impressive women featured in this special section. GRAPHIC ARTISTS Victor Watch Nate Silva Amanda Adams Susan A. Bocamazo, Esq. AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Publisher JoAnn Griffi n Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly, New England In-House

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Scott Ziegler LEADERSHIP Anna M. Eckert Byrne ...... 7 Maria J. Krokidas ...... 22 SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Melanie Footer SCHOLARSHIP Cameron Casey ...... 7 Robyn K. Laukien ...... 23 RECIPIENT Marie E. Chafe ...... 8 Shari A. Levitan ...... 24 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT - CLASSIFIED Kathleen E. Connolly ...... 10 Shannon Liss-Riordan ...... 24 Joan McGonagle S. Mayumi Grigsby ...... 2 Kate R. Cook ...... 10 Ray D. Madoff ...... 25 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - ADVERTISING AND EVENTS Tracy A. Craig ...... 11 Regina Snow Mandl ...... 25 Kelsey Karimi CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE Patience W. Crozier ...... 11 Cynthia Mark ...... 26 ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER AND EVENT DIRECTOR Elyse D. Cherry ...... 9 Martha F. Davis ...... 12 Jennifer L. Markowski ...... 26 Carla Jewett Ruth Ellen Fitch ...... 16 Denise W. DeFranco ...... 12 Jessica A. Massey ...... 28 Jennifer Grace Miller ...... 29 Michele E. DeTour ...... 13 Joan Meschino ...... 28 Pauline Quirion ...... 35 Rachelle A. Dubow ...... 13 Gloriann Moroney ...... 30 Published by Lawyers Weekly Inc., 10 Milk St. Mary K. Ryan ...... 38 Susan Hanmer Farina ...... 14 Elizabeth M. Myers ...... 30 10th fl oor, Boston, MA 02108. Photocopying and Fatema Fazendeiro ...... 15 Kimberly L. Nelson ...... 32 data processing storage of all or any part of this Kimberly E. Winter ...... 41 Michele J. Feinstein ...... 15 Jody L. Newman ...... 32 issue may not be made without prior written consent. Rates quoted on request. TOP WOMEN OF LAW Carolyn Jacoby Gabbay ...... 17 Laura A. Panos ...... 33 Stacie S. Aarestad ...... 3 Sally R. Gaglini ...... 18 Gina M. Perini ...... 33 Copyright ©2014 Massachusetts Lawyers Martha R. Bagley ...... 3 Cynthia E. Gates ...... 18 Katherine E. Perrelli ...... 34 Weekly. Material published herein is compiled Bethany A. Bartlett ...... 4 A. Silvana Giner ...... 19 Regina E. Roman ...... 36 at substantial expense and is for the sole and Jennifer Belli ...... 4 Charlotte E. Glinka ...... 19 Kristina K. Rost ...... 37 exclusive use of purchasers and subscribers. Rebecca J. Benson ...... 5 Zoila M. Gomez ...... 20 Rosanna Sattler ...... 39 The material may not be republished, resold, Paula S. Bliss ...... 5 Eileen M. Hagerty ...... 21 Brenda R. Sharton ...... 39 recorded, or used in any manner, in whole or in Beth I.Z. Boland ...... 6 Shayla K. Harlev...... 21 E. Abim Thomas ...... 40 part, without the publisher’s explicit consent. Any infringement will be subject to legal redress. Rachel S. Brown ...... 6 Mary Jo Johnson ...... 22 Ellen S. Wilbur ...... 40 PHOTOS BY MERRILL SHEA, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED PROFILES BY CORREY STEPHENSON

2 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW On behalf of the entire firm, congratulations to

Bethany A. Bartlett Partner

a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2014 Top Woman of the Law

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101 Federal Street Boston, MA 02110 Download our app 617.646.2000 www.sherin.com LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

working at the International Colloquium S. Mayumi Grigsby on Women’s Empowerment, Peace and Security after graduation. Her experience Northeastern University School of Law at the colloquium, which was established to train and promote women for positions Leadership is clearly in the cards for S. ceived the President’s Volunteer Service of leadership, only strengthened Grigsby’s Mayumi Grigsby. Award for her eff orts on behalf of UNICEF. decision to become a lawyer. A third-year law student at Northeast- From a young age, Grigsby’s parents When she graduates next ern University School of Law, Grigsby is instilled in her and her sister the impor- May, Grigsby intends to currently the Ella Baker Fellow at the Cen- tance of sharing the knowledge they have continue her focus on inter- ter for Constitutional Rights, jetting from been lucky enough to receive with those national human rights. Boston to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, for legal who haven’t had the same chances. “I want to go where I research on international human rights At the age of 8, Grigsby and her sister can be most useful and litigation, submissions to the Human were on the last fl ight out of Liberia impart my knowledge Rights Committee, and cases involving before the country’s civil war intensifi ed. with those who gender-based violence in Haiti. After spending a few years in various plac- haven’t had the same Earlier this year, she was awarded es around the globe staying with friends, chances,” she says. the Helena Rubenstein Fellowship for the family was reunited in Houston after “It means a lot to Women’s Justice for her commitment to being granted refugee status. me to have this schol- public interest law and advancing wom- Grigsby quickly became involved in arship and to have it en’s justice. Last year she was named a the community around her, mentoring be associated with LEADERSHIP SPONSOR Rappaport Fellow in Law and Public Policy at-risk youth in the District of Columbia recognizing women in partnership with the Harvard Kennedy during her time at Georgetown University in the legal system,” School of Government, and in 2012 she re- (with a semester spent in Senegal) and Grigsby adds. MLW

2 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Stacie S. Aarestad Partner, Edwards, Wildman, Palmer | Boston University School of Law

Stacie S. Aarestad’s practice covers Community Services Initiatives Com- otherwise met.” all aspects of “the care and feeding of a mittee, Aarestad has helped organize The experience reinforced her belief public company,” as she puts it, advising periodic group visits to the Greater that a leader must promote a team con- clients about disclosure obligations and Boston Food Bank and an annual gift cept and recognize that participation board matters. drive program for Bridge Over Troubled from every player is key to the success In 2014 alone, she has guided off er- Waters, an organization that helps of any project. ings in excess of $700 million as chair homeless teenagers in Boston. She “A leader helps each member of the of the securities off ering and public also serves as a member of the board team to understand how they fi t into company counseling practice group at of directors for MassBioEd, a nonprofi t the bigger picture and that they are not Edwards, Wildman, Palmer in Boston. focused on supporting science, technol- just a cog in a wheel,” Aarestad says. But she also knows how to drive ogy, engineering and math education, For more established lawyers, it can a bargain. with a focus on biotechnology. be challenging to put themselves For just a $5 donation, employees Aarestad recently completed a six- back in the shoes of a young at the fi rm can wear jeans to work on month program with senior executives associate fresh out of law school. designated Fridays. The idea has trans- from diverse industries and areas of the But “by recognizing the value lated into thousands of dollars raised city. Selected for the 2014 class of the of diff erent perspectives and LEADERSHIP SPONSOR for charities such as the American Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s vantage points, a leader Heart Association, Albert Schweitzer Executive Leadership Institute, Aarestad can guide a team to a Fellowship and Adopt a U.S. Soldier. engaged with “a really great group successful project,” she A member of the fi rm’s Volunteer/ of business leaders I may not have says. MLW

“I get the most pleasure and Martha R. Bagley feel the most gratifi cation Law Offi ce of Martha R. Bagley | New England School of Law from a job well done for a parent in a custody case.” The practice of law was the obvious Society, an organization in which choice for Martha R. Bagley, the third both her father and grandfather awards a deserving nonprofi t a grant generation in a family of lawyers. But participated. She serves as secretary/ each year. Joking aside — “I love she managed to shake things up a treasurer of the board for the society, giving away other people’s money,” bit by hanging her own shingle four originally founded as a way to keep she says, laughing — Bagley fi nds the years ago. seamen coming off ships in the port of opportunity to help worthwhile causes For 15 years, Bagley practiced at Boston from spending their money on a highlight of her work. Bagley & Bagley with her father — a prostitutes and liquor. She gives back to the legal profes- “mentor, teacher, role model, colleague Today’s operation has been modern- sion as director of the Essex County Bar and one of my best friends” — before ized, Bagley explains, but the society Association, volunteering as a mock she launched her own practice in still serves the same goal: to promote trial judge for the Massachusetts Bar Salem focusing on family law. the welfare of seafarers. It provides Association, and serving as a former “I get the most pleasure and health care benefi ts to Gloucester board member for the North Shore feel the most gratifi cation from a fi shermen, for example, and operates Women Lawyers Association, a group job well done for a parent in a the Mariner’s House, an inn that has that named her its Lawyer of the Year custody case,” she says. “That is off ered “hospitality and guidance” to in 2014. why I do this job.” seafarers since 1847. “I was so blown away by that,” Bagley does carry on the Also like her father and grandfather says Bagley, a member of the Boston family tradition with her before her, Bagley serves as a trustee Bar Association, Boston Inn of Court involvement in the Boston for the East Boston Savings Bank. The and Massachusetts Academy of Trial Port and Seaman’s Aid bank’s Meridian Charitable Foundation Attorneys. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 3 Bethany A. Bartlett Partner, Sherin & Lodgen | Suff olk University Law School “I was so proud of our city, and it will forever be one of Bethany A. Bartlett launched a new participating in fi ve Boston Marathons. the best moments of my life.” practice group at her Boston fi rm from She ran in 2011 as a member of Tedy’s scratch — or, more accurately, from Team (founded by Tedy and Heidi Alternatives for Community and Envi- the sun. With a background in general Bruschi to raise awareness and funds ronment, working with the Hawthorne commercial real estate, Bartlett found for the American Stroke Association) Youth Community Center in Roxbury herself increasingly helping clients in memory of her father, who passed and Citizens Schools, preparing participate in tax credit transactions for away after suff ering a stroke. She ran middle school students for a mock solar investments. again in 2012 to raise money for her trial program. Although she initially was uneasy brother, diagnosed with a rare form After the 2013 Marathon, about being responsible for developing of leukemia, and was on the course in she helped with the Massa- the solar energy practice group, Bartlett 2013 running to raise funds for the wife chusetts Bar Association’s relied on her motto: Put one foot in of one of her partners when she was Boston Marathon Initiative, front of the other and just keep going. stopped just before mile 26. providing legal services Almost two years later, the group has Uninjured in the bombings, Bartlett for the Dial-A-Lawyer grown in size and scope. returned in 2014. She crossed the fi nish event to aid victims of “This is an ever-changing area of line hand in hand with her teammates. the bombings. She also law, even in the last few years, and “I was so proud of our city, and it is a member of the it always keeps you on your toes,” will forever be one of the best moments Real Estate, Boston she says. of my life,” she recalls. and Women’s bar Bartlett’s motto served her well Bartlett volunteers her time with associations. MLW

Jennifer Belli Partner, Bello Welsh | Harvard Law School

Boston attorney Jennifer Belli Women constituted two-thirds of draft guidelines for the Massachusetts understands the challenges and dif- all inactive attorneys, the report found, Commission Against Discrimination fi culties facing female lawyers in the and were overrepresented in nonprofi ts concerning sexual harassment. Belli workplace better than most. and government work. served as a representative of the Wom- As co-chair of the Employment Belli and the committee have now en’s Bar Association and worked on an Issues Committee of the Women’s Bar turned to the next phase of the project: ad hoc committee of attorneys to draft Association, she helped conduct a study crafting a survey tool to obtain qualita- possible guidance. to gather empirical evidence “to better tive data about why women make the “Hopefully we were able to at least understand what women lawyers in choices they do. provide the framework for what can Massachusetts are doing and the career The examination of employment become formal regulations on sexual choices we are seeing,” she explains. choices is right up Belli’s alley as a harassment,” she says. The study, “Where Are We Now? A defense-side employment attorney and Belli started playing the violin at Report on the Occupational Status of litigator who became the fi rst female age two — “Once you prove you are Women Attorneys in Massachusetts,” partner of Bello Welsh in just six years. gentle enough with a ruler on a Cracker tracked data like attorney status — Exposed to employment law during Jack box they let you move on,” she active or inactive — by gender as a summer associateship, “I fell in love says. She continues to play today in well as the distribution of male with it,” she says. “I really like being the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, and female attorneys in the state able to help clients through complicat- and that love of music led to a stint as among employer types like law ed problems.” a board member and clerk for ZUMIX, fi rms, nonprofi ts and education- Belli’s employment-focused practice Inc., a nonprofi t organization providing al institutions. also played a role in her eff orts to help music education to local youth. MLW

4 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Rebecca J. Benson “I knew I wanted to be Of counsel, Margolis & Bloom | Harvard Law School able to make a diff erence Boston attorney Rebecca J. Benson brief on behalf of the National Academy in my clients’ lives, but I found her calling in the sandbox. of Elder Law Attorneys in a pair of landed in elder law by pure “I knew I wanted to be able to make cases, Licata v. GGNSC Malden Dexter, happenstance.” a diff erence in my clients’ lives, but I LLC and Johnson v. Kindred Healthcare, landed in elder law by pure happen- Inc., decided by the Supreme Judicial clients, Benson can be found volun- stance,” she says. Court in January. teering with the Belmont Food Pantry, While on a playdate with a law The court cited Benson’s brief in Belmont Citizens Emergency Response school classmate, her friend suggested holding that a health care proxy lacks Team and the Lexington Interfaith the two apply for a position at Legal the authority to bind a resident to an Garden. She is also a member of the Services as a job share team. The open arbitration agreement in connection Steering Committee of the Women’s position was for an elder law practice. with admission into the nursing home. Bar Foundation’s Elder Law Project, The rest is history. The case was a victory for nursing the Supreme Judicial Court’s “This is an emerging area of the home residents facing barriers to litiga- Mental Health Legal law, with cutting-edge issues about tion. Benson recalls a “treasured” letter Advisor’s Committee, the end of life care and cognitive capacity,” from a client who wrote to say how National Academy of Benson says. “I like that I am learning fortunate she felt to make Benson’s Elder Law Attorneys, new things all the time and keep facing acquaintance and thank her because the Academy of Special new challenges.” she “made the bullies go away.” Needs Planners, the Benson currently focuses a lot of her That letter “makes me think about Massachusetts Guard- attention on the issue of mandatory how I made a diff erence in a client’s ianship Association and arbitration agreements in nursing life,” Benson says. the Massachusetts Bar home contracts. She fi led an amicus When she’s not advocating for her Association. MLW

SUBMITTED PHOTO Paula S. Bliss Partner, Bubalo, Goode, Sales & Bliss | Northeastern University School of Law

A circuitous route from Cape Cod see the plaintiff s as people but as the The appointment of a steering restaurateur through a clerkship that bottom line.” committee, for example, is typically exposed her to fen-phen litigation Bliss represents plaintiff s across the “decided in the back room by the good led Boston attorney Paula S. Bliss to country who have been catastrophically ol’ boys network,” Bliss says. Even her mass tort and complex litigation injured by pharmaceutical products. She when the litigation involves women’s practice with a focus on pharmaceutical won a $6 million verdict in Connecticut issues — like hormone replacement and medical devices. federal court for a woman who devel- therapy and vaginal mesh cases — the Intrigued by the work done by oped breast cancer after taking hormone committees are dominated by men. the lawyer she hired while running replacement therapy, and in the wake of “We decided to organize ourselves her restaurants, Bliss went to law that verdict negotiated a settlement on and use the power of numbers to make school. While clerking for Ralph behalf of an additional 100 plaintiff s. some noise so that more women are D. Gants, then a Superior Bliss was recently appointed to the being considered for these steering Court judge, she attended plaintiff s’ steering committee oversee- committees,” she explains. the fi rst fen-phen trial in ing thousands of wrongful death cases Also active in the Women’s Caucus a courtroom next door in Massachusetts state court in which in the American Association for Justice, and was “completely the plaintiff s’ deaths were allegedly Bliss has been part of Northeastern’s hooked,” she says. “I caused by a dialysis product. annual Women in the Law conference have always been Of the nine committee members, she since its inaugural meeting fi ve years interested in fi ghting is the only woman. To address the lack of ago. “We get women together to start for the underdog, female mass tort attorneys, Bliss and a talking about pertinent issues with the especially against number of other lawyers founded Wom- goal of promoting women in the law these massive world- en En Mass, which endeavors to help and the advancement of women in wide corporations that don’t move women into leadership positions. organizations.” MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 5 Beth I.Z. Boland Partner, Foley & Lardner | University of Chicago Law School

Female leadership was on display the numbers have changed, “it’s not female candidates and getting involved for Boston attorney Beth I.Z. Boland enough,” she says. “I’m still generally in campaigns. She also leveraged every day growing up, as her mother one of the few, if not the only, women her professional connections to help served as the fi rst woman lieutenant in the room.” persuade the business community to governor and fi rst female Senate “Perhaps spurred on by my mother’s jointly fi le an amicus brief on behalf president in Iowa. genes,” Boland joined the Women’s Bar of almost 300 of the nation’s largest “It was pretty cool to see her in the Association when she moved to Boston employers in support of same-sex Senate with the gavel in her hand,” after attending a welcome reception for marriage rights in the seminal Boland recalls. “She remains a true newly admitted lawyers. She went on U.S. Supreme Court decision, U.S. inspiration for me.” to become one of the youngest presi- v. Windsor. After moving East, Boland took up dents in the organization’s history. Boland co-chaired the Boston her mother’s mantle. She selected a “I really found a home there,” she Bar Association’s Task Force on typically male-dominated practice says. In recognition of her contributions Corporate Governance, was ap- area — securities and class action to both the community and the legal pointed to co-chair the commit- litigation — to make headway for profession, the group presented her tee charged with overseeing the her gender. with its highest honor, the Leila J. Business Litigation Session after “I wanted to try a more unique path Robinson Award, in 2010. its inception and is the corporate and in an area that needs a little more Her passion for supporting the de- secretary of the New England diversity, where I felt that I could be velopment of women leaders plays out chapter of the National Association more of a pioneer,” Boland says. While in politics as well, with Boland backing of Corporate Directors. MLW

Rachel S. Brown Staff attorney, Community Legal Aid | Boston College Law School As an introverted, “nerdy” middle from health care and public benefi ts to “The perk of being an elder school student, Rachel S. Brown’s landlord/tenant law and elder abuse. law attorney is that I have teacher assigned her the role of Another childhood experience has prosecutor in a social studies mock trial. stuck with Brown into adulthood: her a well-rounded and diverse “I think the case was about a stolen years as a Girl Scout. As a co-leader practice and there is always bicycle, with an alibi involving color for a troop of 6th and 7th graders, she a new challenge around the blindness,” Brown recalls, adding that the engages in activities both traditional rules of evidence “were a little bit off .” (a camping trip that teaches skills corner.” But the experience stuck with her, like constructing fi res) and modern (a propelling her through law school and yearlong project critically analyzing United Auto Workers. As the at-large into her position in the Elder Law Unit media). For the latter, the scouts looked representative for the local unit, she at Community Legal Aid in Worcester. at magazines and TV shows and fi gured volunteers on campaigns, helps out “I really enjoy helping those who out what stereotypes kept popping up, with election monitoring and lobbies really need it,” she says. “The perk of Brown explains, and discussed how the for legal services funding. being an elder law attorney is that images made them feel. The former co-chair of the Worcester I have a well-rounded and diverse “They are about to hit the hormone County Bar Association’s Committee practice and there is always a new years with those negative stereotypes on Services to the Poor and Homeless, challenge around the corner.” coming in soon, so hopefully they will Brown helped establish an annual food Brown estimates that in remember at least some of the lessons drive and recruited pro bono volunteers. her 10 years with her we discussed,” she says. She is also a member of the City of agency, she has served Brown is an active member of Local Worcester Commission on Disability and more than 1,500 clients 2320, the National Organization of the Lutheran Social Services Disability on issues ranging Legal Services Workers, a local of the Services Human Rights Committee. MLW

6 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Anna M. Eckert Byrne Principal, Eckert Byrne | New England School of Law Today, Anna M. Eckert Byrne owns Recovering from her loss took years. “What I really wanted to do was her own Cambridge law fi rm focusing But the emotional journey yielded the merge all of my work and personal on trusts and estates and is a recognized idea for a “holistic and caring” estate presence in her community as a former planning practice. experiences and help people consider board member of the Agassiz Bald- “What I really wanted to do was the things nobody plans for to make win Community. merge all of my work and personal ex- their grief a little bit easier.” But her path to success took many periences and help people consider the twists and turns. After fi nishing college things nobody plans for to make their neighborhood with respect to devel- in just three years and turning 21 in her grief a little bit easier,” Byrne explains. opment and traffi c; it grew to off er fi rst week of law school, Byrne focused “This fi rm is very unique in the approach services to the community for children on international law. Fluent in Polish, we have, the process we use and the and seniors. During Byrne’s tenure on the she was off ered the opportunity to solutions we come up with.” board, the organization successfully bat- move to Eastern Europe after the Iron A member of the American Academy tled through a case that took eight years Curtain fell and help draft the constitu- of Trust, Estate and Elder Law Attorneys, and went all the way up to the Supreme tions of emerging countries. the Boston Estate Planning Council, Judicial Court. Newly engaged, Byrne decided to the Wealth Counsel and the Society of The court ultimately cleared the way remain in the United States and began Trust and Estate Practitioners, Byrne for a donated carriage house to practicing tax law at a wealth manage- has found some of her most rewarding become the Maud Morgan Arts ment company. But then her husband experiences as a board member of the Center, which off ers programs was tragically shot and killed. Agassiz Baldwin Community. for children, seniors and adults. “My world stopped for a while,” The grassroots organization was “It is an amazing place,” Byrne says. formed to advocate for the Cambridge Byrne says. MLW

Cameron Casey Partner, Ropes & Gray | Harvard Law School Cameron Casey did not set out to “In many ways, the human & Estates section, Casey helped to be a lawyer. After college, she was perspective of my practice develop the materials to answer working as a trust administrator in New questions for practitioners when the York City. But the more time she spent is as close to an old-school Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code in the world of trusts and estates, the family counsel as it gets.” took eff ect in March 2012. more interested she became, which She also makes time to help service ultimately led to law school and her counsel as it gets,” she says. members as part of her involvement work in the private clients group at Her expertise was helpful to the with the BBA’s Veterans’ Initiative Proj- Boston fi rm Ropes & Gray. fi rm’s pro bono work for One Fund Bos- ect, attending Yellow Ribbon Events for For Casey, the combination of ton. “I’m really proud, both personally military personnel to answer pre-de- centuries old property law with tax and for the team-based commitment ployment estate planning questions. implications and the human element the fi rm made to helping the marathon Casey is currently devoting a signifi - keeps her on her toes. Her clients victims, from the IT group to staff and cant amount of energy to a new venture: are primarily focused on charitable the lawyers at all diff erent levels, from “Leading by Example: Best Practices giving, which allows her to play a the most senior lawyers to very junior in Charitable Giving,” an inaugural rewarding role in “helping people associates,” Casey says. conference jointly presented by her and solving social problems.” A member of the Boston Bar fi rm, the Boston Foundation and Boston “In many ways, the human Association’s Public Service Oversight College. Set for October, the conference perspective of my practice is Committee and co-chair of the Public seeks to connect the various parties in as close to an old-school family Service Committee of the BBA’s Trusts the charitable giving realm. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 7 Marie E. Chafe Partner, Cornell & Gollub | George Washington University Law School

Marie E. Chafe didn’t have far to driving a vehicle; one of the allegations of the WBA’s Business Development look for a female role model in the legal pertained to the tires and whether they Committee to create a series of “Lean community. In 1926, her grandmother were appropriately selected for the In” programs, drawing on the Sheryl was one of the fi rst women attorneys vehicle,” Chafe recalls. Sandberg bestseller. admitted to practice in the state of Ohio. After submerging herself in the The fi rst program — featuring “She was a true pioneer and inspira- world of tires, the Boston lawyer says, speakers such as Attorney General tion for me,” Chafe says. “I can still walk down the street and Martha Coakley and retired Superior Family history coupled with a junior see all the numbers on a tire and know Court Judge Suzanne DelVecchio — year of college spent working in Sen. what each of those means.” was such a success (the room was John Kerry’s offi ce in Washington, D.C., Like her grandmother was for her, fi lled to capacity with additional sealed the deal for Chafe: She would Chafe tries to be a role model to her attendees waiting outside) that the practice law. two daughters as well as other female committee did it again — and again Today, she handles complex cases practicing attorneys. for a third time. involving the defense of automotive, “I feel very passionate about Active in the Defense Research medical device and consumer product giving back and helping other women Institute as chair of the Networking manufacturers. Her fl irtation with bi- lawyers,” she says. Subcommittee of Women in the Law ology and engineering while in college That includes mentoring young and vice chair of the Biomechanics and serve her well in working with experts attorneys through the Women’s Bar Injury Causation Subcommittee, Chafe and understanding the technical Association’s Women’s Leadership also gives her time to the Massachu- aspects of a case. Initiative (she also serves on the WBA’s setts Defense Lawyers Association, “One of my fi rst cases was a board of directors). Over the last year, where she currently is vice chair of the tragic death case involving a woman she also worked with fellow members Products Liability Committee. MLW

Diamonds are

formedPRESSURE. under Congratulations to our colleague Cameron Casey and the other Top Women of Law So are for your outstanding achievements. greatLAWYERS.

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8 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW

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C E I C RC N LE LE Elyse D. Cherry of EXCEL Chief executive offi cer, Boston Community Capital Northeastern University School of Law

Elyse D. Cherry has always sought to for the initial $3,500 the organization for Global Leadership at Tufts live a values-driven life. had in the bank. “None of us had University, the board of directors of the From her education at Wellesley enough good sense or gray hair to Forsyth Institute, the Mission Driven College and Northeastern University know better,” she says. Investment Committee of the Kellogg School of Law to her initial years of Cherry tries to ensure that BCC Foundation and as a member of the private practice where she combined functions as a “lifecycle employer,” Governor’s Foreclosure Impacts Task commercial real estate fi nance and giving employees the fl exibility Force. MLW development with an aff ordable necessary to care for relatives, raise housing practice, Cherry has stayed true families or pursue educational to her goal of building the world she wants to live in. For the last 16 years, she has “[When we founded BCC,] fulfi lled her mission as the CEO of none of us had enough Boston Community Capital, leading the good sense or gray hair organization from roughly $30 million in assets under management to over to know better.” $1 billion. Under her leadership, BCC’s loans and investments have renovated over opportunities. As a result, she says, 1.6 million square feet of commercial “we’ve got an unbelievably talented, real estate and community facilities experienced and committed staff , in distressed communities, supported some of whom have worked here for childcare facilities serving over 9,800 decades,” which is unusual in the non- children and fi nanced health care profi t world. facilities providing a comprehensive “I really am proud of this range of care to over 81,000 patients. organization, not just in terms of scale Today, BCC has six diff erent business and size but also to have built a culture lines, including sustainability initiatives in which people are committed to each like solar energy and the Stabilizing other, to the community they serve and Urban Neighborhoods initiative, a to doing good work,” Cherry says. foreclosure relief program that has To further eff ect change, Cherry is been nationally recognized and is active in politics, currently co-chairing expanding to other states. the Finance Committee for Martha Cherry says her job is to “see around Coakley for Governor and previously the corner” and fi gure out what is working as a member of Gov. Deval necessary to respond to the changing L. Patrick’s transition team for his needs of the community. “We try really fi rst term. hard not to get immersed in the details A leader in the LGBTQ community, of the day to day,” she says, instead Cherry chaired the board of looking at what’s coming next. For MassEquality during the successful example, BCC started warning about push for same-sex marriage in the state the foreclosure crisis in 2007. and served in a leadership role on the Cherry has been involved with BCC board of the Gay and Lesbian Advocates from the start, helping found the group and Defenders for many years. in 1984 as a member of its original She also fi nds time to serve on board of directors and guiding strategy the executive board of the Institute

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 9 Kathleen E. Connolly Counsel, Murtha Cullina | University of Connecticut Law School For Boston attorney Kathleen E. Connolly also puts her 23 years “Both of these were rewarding policy Connolly, the practice of environmen- in the industry to work in the area of eff orts that resulted in making the tal law and litigation often features policy, serving as co-chair of the Public three sides. Policy and Legislation Committee for permitting and land use process She represents a broad range of the Real Estate Section of the Boston easier for applicants and clients, from municipalities reviewing Bar Association and working with fellow municipalities.” permit applications to entities like board members as president of the Mas- hotels and energy companies working sachusetts Association of Conservation realm, Connolly has devoted her time their way through the permit process. Commission to help draft legislation to Christmas in the City for almost And she frequently works with banks and meet with lawmakers about its im- 20 years. The organization provides stuck in the middle when a developer portance. Successes include legislation support to homeless children through- has defaulted on a project, facing that resulted in a change to the statute out the year but also throws a huge the decision of whether to call the allowing consultant fees as well as a bill holiday party, gifting kids with presents mortgage or fi nish the project. that tweaked the court process and fees like toys and clothes they would not The economic recession seriously allowed when municipal offi cials impose otherwise receive. impacted many of her clients, aff ecting and collect fi nes for certain violations. Connolly, who majored in journalism their decision-making and requiring “Both of these were rewarding and intended to be a writer, still gets to her to “explore a wider range of policy eff orts that resulted in making exercise her writing skills with her many alternatives to help them with their the permitting and land use process publications for the MACC, the Cape construction and expansion plans, such easier for applicants and municipali- Cod Cranberry Growers’ newsletter, the as redevelopment of existing properties ties,” she said. Massachusetts Land Coalition and the versus purchasing new properties.” Outside of the environmental law Massachusetts Farm Bureau. MLW

Kate R. Cook Chief legal counsel, Governor’s Offi ce | Harvard Law School It says a lot about Kate R. Cook that “During my tenure, I have thus far “I’ve become aware that regular marathons just weren’t enough had the honor of interviewing can- of a challenge. Having completed didates and assisting the governor in I’m a bit of an adrenaline more than 16 of the 26.2-mile races, appointing judges to every court except junkie.” Cook turned to “ultra-marathons” to for the Land Court,” she notes. up the ante, recently completing the What does Cook look for in a judge? policy. Her parents instilled a passion Leadville 100. Individuals with great legal experience, in their children to use their “good “I’ve become aware that I’m she says, but also “folks with the right fortune” to help others and give back. a bit of an adrenaline junkie,” touch.” Patrick once told Cook about To that end, Cook and her husband Cook acknowledges. an experience he had in a courtroom regularly volunteer at the Women’s Her admission isn’t surprising given in which the judge was impatient and Lunch Place, and she recently joined its her position as the chief legal counsel rude with some poorer clients who board of directors. for Gov. L. Deval Patrick’s offi ce — the were down on their luck. The organization off ers warm meals fi rst woman in state history to hold “It made a real impact on the to guests and provides other services the position. governor about the importance of as well. “I enjoy the fast pace, being judges who treat litigants with dignity “The organization is particularly forced to think on my feet and and [give them] the opportunity to be important to us because it’s in our make quick decisions,” she says. heard — judges who have the ‘right neighborhood and we see a lot of the In addition to advising the touch,’” she says. guests on the street,” Cook says. governor on law, policy, regulatory Growing up in Arkansas, Cook knew Cook is also a past president and and ethics matters, Cook oversees from a young age that she wanted to current trustee of the Women’s Bar the judicial nominating process. be both a lawyer and involved in public Foundation. MLW

10 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Tracy A. Craig Partner, Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie & Lougee | Boston University School of Law Tracy A. Craig manages to combine “When I moved from institution is trying to become more her love of animals with her trusts broadly known and recognized, bring- and estates practice, off ering pet Boston to Worcester, people ing more people to Worcester. trusts to interested clients. While she questioned my decision and “When I moved from Boston to rarely sets up a pet trust on its own, career path. I love living and Worcester, people questioned my she routinely includes them as part of a decision and career path,” Craig says. “I client’s wishes. working in Worcester.” love living and working in Worcester, “I always say I’m not getting rich on and the museum epitomizes that.” pet trusts,” she jokes, but notes that as the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Craig recalls an important conver- the named trustee for several, she could Trusts and Estates Section of the Boston sation with a former boss many years end up pretty busy in a few years. Bar Association and the Boston Estate ago who warned her that developing Craig is already busy as chair of Planning Council. a book of business was the only way her Worcester fi rm’s trusts and estates Her presence is felt not only in the le- to guarantee a job at a law fi rm. She group and one of only three equity gal community, but in Worcester as well. began reading books, taking courses, female partners. That’s on top of her A board member of both the Greater picking the brains of colleagues and active involvement as a fellow of Worcester Community Foundation and other professionals, and putting in a lot the American College of Trust and the Worcester Estate and Business Plan- of eff ort to develop business. Estate Counsel and membership in ning Council, Craig is on the members’ “It’s not something you do the Real Property Probate and Trust council of the Worcester Art Museum. overnight but something you Law Section of the American Bar Calling it “the little museum that continue to work on, and I’m Association, the Probate Law Section of could,” Craig says the well-respected glad I did it,” she says. MLW

Patience W. Crozier Partner and co-founder, Kauff man Crozier | Boston College Law School To create her niche, Patience W. “The level of discrimination documents and represented transi- “Polly” Crozier combined family law tioning individuals fi ghting for custody with LGBTQ issues. The result is a for transgender individuals in divorce cases, Crozier focuses on cutting-edge practice involving cases today is similar to the level education. She recently organized about child custody in same-sex rela- of discrimination against and moderated a panel of experts on tionships, assisted reproduction and a transgender issues for the Judicial Con- range of transgender issues. those with HIV in the 1980s.” ference of the Massachusetts Probate “I take a lot of risks in my practice and Family Court, the fi rst training of because there are so many gray areas, marriage are the child of both parties. its kind for the judges. She also worked where new law has to be made,” says Crozier’s client, the non-biological with the Administrative Offi ce of the Crozier, who practices in Cambridge. mother in a same-sex relationship, was Probate and Family Court to revise “What brings me to work every day is then able to secure custody. adoption forms to be gender-neutral knowing that we are not only improv- Her representation of transgender and inclusive of same-sex families. ing the lives of our clients but serving a clients is particularly meaningful, she Crozier is actively involved in the larger purpose.” says, as “the level of discrimination for Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, Crozier’s cases have set precedent. transgender individuals today is similar currently acting as co-chair of the group She served as lead trial counsel in to the level of discrimination against and as a member of the Gray Scholarship Hunter v. Rose, which went all the way those with HIV in the 1980s.” Committee, as well as serving on the up to the Supreme Judicial Court In addition to individual cases in Family Law Institute of the National LGBT and established that children born which she has helped people change Bar Association and the Greater Boston into spousal relationships other than the gender listed on their identifi cation Family Law Inn of Court. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 11 Martha F. Davis Professor, Northeastern University School of Law | University of Chicago Law School

Professor Martha F. Davis has responsibility, constitutional law and be more experimental and creative, transformed her passion for human women’s rights. Delving deeper into working with clients to co-design rights, poverty and women’s rights into scholarship, Davis authored “Brutal solutions to their problems. One a career. Her fi rst few years after law Need: Lawyers and the Welfare Rights recent project in the lab: creating school were spent clerking and working Movement”; edited a three-volume and implementing ways to educate at a Wall Street fi rm. While she enjoyed work, “Bringing Human Rights Home”; domestic workers about rights recently the work, she discovered her “real and just turned in the galleys for a enacted in the state via an app and a motivation” through pro bono eff orts. textbook on human rights advocacy in talk show format. She left the fi rm for the NOW the United States. Davis chairs the board of directors Legal Defense and Education Fund “I haven’t really looked back at of the National Economic and Social where she focused on advocating for private practice,” Davis says. Rights Initiative; serves on the editorial women’s rights. During her 12 years She translates her scholarship into board of the Harvard School of Public with the organization, Davis was action as co-director of Northeastern’s Health’s publication, “Health and counsel in six cases before the U.S. Program on Human Rights and the Human Rights”; and is an appointed Supreme Court and argued Nguyen Global Economy as well as the newly member of the Massachusetts State v. INS, a case challenging sex-based launched NuLawLab, “a recognition Advisory Committee of the U.S. citizenship laws. of the challenges facing the legal Commission on Civil Rights. Davis then joined the faculty at profession,” she says. She even fi nds time to play, as Northeastern University School of The lab format allows lawyers principal double bass in the Long- Law, teaching courses on professional working in interdisciplinary groups to wood Symphony Orchestra. MLW

Denise W. DeFranco Partner, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner George Washington University Law School The quill pen Boston attorney “It was a bit of a fl uke that I both the Supreme Court and the U.S. Denise W. DeFranco received while Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, representing a client before the U.S. fell into patent law.” DeFranco is a leader in several national Supreme Court was an appropri- DeFranco worked at the U.S. Patent and intellectual property law associations. ate souvenir. Trademark Offi ce as a patent examiner Currently president-elect of the Having authored seven amicus and took advantage of a program American Intellectual Property Law briefs for the nation’s highest court to attend law school. Despite her Association, she also serves on the in various patent cases over the background, “it was a bit of a fl uke that Council and Content Advisory Board of years, DeFranco’s writing skills I fell into patent law,” she says. the American Bar Association’s Intel- have certainly been on display to After her years at the USPTO, she lectual Property Law Section as well as the justices. tried to steer away from the subject the board of the American Intellectual Last year, she sat at counsel matter and took a spin at commercial Property Law Education Foundation, table (and scored her pen) litigation. It didn’t stick. which provides scholarships to diversity while representing a “My cases are always on the cutting students pursuing careers in intellectu- patent owner in Bilski v. edge and that makes my practice tons al property law. Kappos, a seminal case of fun,” she enthuses, noting that pat- DeFranco recently completed a involving the eligibility ent law meshes with her background in three-year term on the board of the of business method pat- biomedical engineering. Federal Circuit Bar Association and ents for patent protection. In addition to her pro bono amicus was just selected as a fellow of the Prior to her legal career, briefs on behalf of bar associations for American Bar Foundation. MLW

12 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Michele E. DeTour Deputy chief legal counsel, Massachusetts Port Authority University of Houston Law Center A junior year spent in Washington, attorneys who report to her are actively “It’s great when something D.C., convinced Michele E. DeTour that involved in the legal work supporting her future was not in politics. the numerous developments in the beautiful and lively When she was a young girl, her fa- revitalized South Boston neighbor- transforms a neighborhood ther had taken her to political speeches hood, such as the Renaissance Boston in need of repair.” and events, and her plan was to attend Waterfront Hotel and the Liberty Wharf law school as an entry into politics. complex, a development in which she fi sh processing, among other things), Her experience in D.C. persuaded her takes special pride. as well as a separate development to change the fi rst part of her plan, “Sometimes, after years of work known as “parcel K.” DeTour though she stuck with the second half all you have to show for a deal is all hopes the site — currently and headed off to law school. the paper in your offi ce. But it’s great a parking lot on Northern Real estate law caught her atten- when something beautiful and lively Avenue — will be re- tion, and after graduation she spent transforms a neighborhood in need of born as a hotel/apart- a few years working for a national repair,” she says. ment/retail structure. parking lot company before joining And after years of work, DeTour Outside the offi ce, the Massachusetts Port Authority says, her team is “close to the goal DeTour is active in the in 2000. line” on a ground lease for two new Scripps College Alum- Over the past 14 years, DeTour has developments: a 26-acre marine nae and volunteers for helped guide the redevelopment of terminal for intermodal freight Horizons for Homeless the Seaport District. She and the six warehouses (used for cold storage and Children. MLW

Rachelle A. Dubow Partner, Bingham McCutchen | Boston University School of Law For Rachelle A. Dubow, a highlight “There are very few grew up in a family of attorneys of her legal career can be found in the (both her father and grandfather are resolution of a matter that didn’t make moments that big-law lawyers) and her ability from the time any headlines or change precedent. lawyers get to claim as their she was “a tiny little girl” to say the In fact, it never even saw the inside of own, and this was one of my word “lawyer.” a courtroom. “It did not occur to me that there Dubow, who focuses her practice most proud moments as a were diff erent jobs out there other than on intellectual property, needed to lawyer.” lawyer,” she jokes. send a demand letter to a business A member of the Massachusetts, that was using a logo similar to her T-shirts with the company’s logo in Boston and Women’s bar associa- client’s federally registered design. thanks. The small business owner then tions and several committees of the Recognizing that the recipient was personally called Dubow to thank her. International Trademark Association, a small family business, the Boston “How often does the party on the Dubow serves on the Corporate lawyer took a soft-handed approach other side thank you?” she asks. “There Advisory Board of The Commonwealth and soon found herself on the phone are very few moments that big-law Institute. She also sits on the Day with the business owner. lawyers get to claim as their own, School Education Commission for He quickly agreed to the changes and this was one of my most proud Combined Jewish Philanthropies and requested by Dubow’s client. The client, moments as a lawyer.” chairs a project for Chabad of the pleased with the speedy and inexpen- Dubow’s decision to practice law North Shore to bring a mikvah to the sive result, sent a package of hats and was not surprising, given that she Marblehead community. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 13 Susan Hanmer Farina Senior vice president and general counsel, Proveris Scientifi c Corp. Boston College Law School

The business of law has always a host of legal issues from contracts while negotiating a deal, Farina is fascinated Susan Hanmer Farina. to employment matters to fi nances to actively involved with the American Bar She worked in merchandising intellectual property development. Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance between college and law school and Her background as a litigator has Practice Section, recently completing began her practice as a corpo- come in handy as an in-house attorney. a three-year stint on the Governing rate litigator. “It’s been extremely helpful to look Council. She has held leadership posi- “I was always more interested in the at issues and see the potential for tions on numerous committees within structure of the law and the idea that where there might be disputes,” Farina the group, including the Business litigation is a form of a sale,” she says. says. “I can help draft that potential Litigation Committee and Alternative “A lawyer needs to be able to convince out of the risk category, or at least Dispute Resolution Committee. She the judge or jury which perspective to minimize the risks.” also gave of her time as a kitchen adopt,” like persuading a customer to In addition to day-to-day legal is- volunteer for the Framingham make a purchase. sues, Farina helps set Proveris’ strategic Salvation Army. That business-centric philosophy vision for the long term as the company A former co-chair of the Boston serves Farina well as general counsel and grows and develops. Bar Association Litigation Section’s senior vice president at Proveris Scientifi c “I am very proud of helping to build ADR Committee and the Massa- Corp. As the only member of the legal a company that has real importance in chusetts Bar Association’s ADR department at the privately held, Marl- its niche,” she says. Committee, Farina volunteered borough-based analytical instrumen- When she’s not advising Proveris on her time as a mediator, an experi- tation company, she guides it through safety programs or the laws of India ence she found “very rewarding.” MLW

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14 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW

Lawyers Weekly Advertising The space you purchased has been reserved and the above copy must be approved by Wednes- day at 3pm. The ad will run as shown unless we are notified of changes. Ad Rep: Melanie Client: Suffolk Univ I approve the above ad to appear in Lawyers Weekly on ______according to their stated terms and conditions at a rate of $ ______Size/Section: TWOL 3.5x4.5 Date: 2014 Client signature: ______Please sign and return a copy of this ad by Wednesday 3pm. DESIGN vw FAX (617) 451-7326 Fatema Fazendeiro Lecturer, Boston University | American University Washington College of Law From corporate law to the public including tobacco use by minors and “My experience proves that sector to teaching law and ethics, the consumption of trans fats. Fatema Fazendeiro has packed a lot into The work, she says, “was really you can overcome people’s her 13 years of practice. rewarding and I felt like I was giving doubts and be successful When she graduated from law back and helping the community.” as a woman and person of school, Fazendeiro gave corporate law a While there, she began teaching as try for a few years but grew frustrated an adjunct professor at Boston Universi- color in this fi eld.” when she felt that she wasn’t making ty’s School of Management. As time a diff erence. Her next step: more than went on, she discovered her love of courtroom, I saw more men than a decade at the Boston Public Health teaching and joined the faculty this fall women, and women have generally Commission, with the last two years as as a full-time lecturer of law and ethics. been underrepresented in law,” its general counsel. “Again, I wanted to be in an environ- she says. “I defi nitely overcame “This is an agency that gives a lot ment where I can make a diff erence,” barriers as a woman of color who back to the community,” she says. she says of her plans to impart to busi- came to the United States when She spent her tenure at the commis- ness students the importance of ethics I was 5 years old from Iran. sion defending it against employment in decision-making. My experience proves that discrimination cases and handling the Fazendeiro looks forward to you can overcome people’s occasional EMS fender bender. She providing her students with a strong doubts and be successful also helped draft several public health female mentor. as a woman and person of regulations that were passed on issues “Every time I walked into a color in this fi eld.” MLW

Michele J. Feinstein Shareholder, Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin | Western New England University School of Law Originally planning to pursue “I feel passionately about gratifying,” Feinstein says. journalism as a career, it hit Michele J. Outside the offi ce, Feinstein Feinstein one day that she was report- the next generation of used her expertise to help establish ing on what other people were doing lawyers, making sure a guardianship program at a local instead of doing it herself. they’ve got their head in the social services agency that today has “I realized that I wasn’t doing any- some 30 people under guardianship. thing, and I wanted to do something right spot and are bringing She also is involved with the Jewish that helped,” she says. the right sentiment to the Endowment Foundation of Western Captivated by the law and its process practice.” Massachusetts and the Women’s Fund as an agent of social policy and change, of Western Massachusetts. Feinstein was hooked as soon as she grateful to have a practice where I can Since 2005, Feinstein has taught entered law school. Her practice today is do both.” elder law and fi duciary administration split roughly down the middle between A receptionist at Feinstein’s fi rm at her alma mater. corporate and business planning and once told her that her elder law clients “I feel passionately about the next estate planning and elder law. seemed transformed after a single visit. generation of lawyers, making sure “Being in a relatively small legal Sitting in reception looking anxious they’ve got their head in the right spot community, I have had the opportunity and scared, they would leave with and are bringing the right sentiment to work on both the corporate side and completely diff erent body language, to the practice,” she says. “I try to make helping individuals,” the Springfi eld appearing relaxed and even happy, the sure they have the tools they need to lawyer says. “It’s challenging but receptionist reported. do a good job and not lose their heart exhilarating at the same time, and I’m “To be able to help like that is very while doing it.” MLW

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Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 15 C E I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL Ruth Ellen Fitch Independent trustee and director | Harvard Law School

Ruth Ellen Fitch is having a hard time feet, and there was collaboration with the retiring. After 22 years of practice at Palmer Department of Public Health to integrate & Dodge — where she became the fi rst residential recovery services for women. female African-American partner at a By the time Fitch left the center, “it had major Boston law fi rm — she ostensibly really turned around and was poised to retired in 2004. take off ,” she says. At that point, after a career as director Her career has a common theme: of the METCO program, going to law Fitch deals well with complexity. From school when her two children were in coordinating the METCO program to staying middle school, and then spending decades home to raise her kids to life at a big law at a big fi rm, Fitch was at the age most fi rm to the breadth of her responsibilities people retire. at Dimock, “the thread running through all Instead, she returned to the Roxbury of it was really understanding the work I neighborhood where she grew up and was doing and what it was going to take to assumed the position of president and chief succeed, and then doing the hard work to executive offi cer of The Dimock Center. succeed,” she says. “It was my retirement job,” Fitch says laughing. “My goal was to get Dimock “Leadership roles require a back in shape, make a diff erence, and put together a nice succession plan — and I sense of personal confi dence think it did it.” and a willingness to dig into Founded in 1862 as the New England the details and understand Hospital for Women and Children, Dimock was the fi rst area hospital opened and how the detail engages with operated by women for women. As the the big picture.” CEO for nine years, Fitch eff ectively was the mayor of a small city, overseeing 350 employees, six health clinics and a $30 In 2013, Fitch stepped down from million budget. One advantage for Fitch: Dimock to retire again. While she is she’s a detail person. working less, Fitch continues to give her “You’ve got to manage the details as time and energy to the community as a well as the big picture,” she says. “Lead- member of several boards, including the ership roles require a sense of personal Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Foundation, confi dence and a willingness to dig into Boston Medical Center, EdVestors, Inc., and the details and understand how the detail Health Law Advocates. She also serves as engages with the big picture.” a trustee for the Ludcke Foundation and Fitch streamlined the organization, Curry College. which provides health and community “I’m keeping busy,” she says, “but the services, community care in the form of stress level is very diff erent.” HIV/AIDS services, child and family devel- Looking back, Fitch says she is proud of opment, and adult basic education. her family and children and the work she Under her leadership, Dimock was has done. awarded a $4.9 million grant for capital “All of my hard work has paid off in that improvements to the health care facility, I have been very satisfi ed with what I have the Head Start program got back on its accomplished,” she says. MLW

16 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Carolyn Jacoby Gabbay Partner, Nixon Peabody | Boston University School of Law

It’s been a big year for Carolyn local community needed reassurance She is also active in the Massa- Jacoby Gabbay. about the change of ownership. chusetts/Rhode Island chapters of After years of work, the Nixon “It was a taxing process, with many the American College of Healthcare Peabody team she led was awarded balls in the air at any given moment, Executives and the Healthcare Finan- the Healthcare/Life Sciences Deal of but a real success story,” the Boston cial Management Association, as well the Year for the asset acquisition of lawyer says, with the hospital in the as the Boston University School of Law The Westerly Hospital by Lawrence black by the end of June for the first Alumni Association. + Memorial Corporation. The deal time in more than five years. “As a member of the industry that I involved the purchase of Westerly Gabbay’s accomplishments am privileged to serve, it is important Hospital, a relatively small community extend into her community service, to give back to the organizations that hospital in Rhode Island that belied having twice been awarded her firm’s provide resources and education for the complex nature of the situation. William Rodman Peabody Award for health care professionals,” she says. Gabbay and her colleagues Outstanding Pro Bono Service, in 2005 Gabbay praises her industry as faced “a panoply of issues” ranging and again in 2014. “light years” ahead of other industry from labor force questions with a One of her proudest achievements: sectors in terms of accepting women unionized facility to a settlement promoting music therapy as president in positions of leadership. agreement with the U.S. Department of the Victor Herbert Foundation to “Health care is a wonderful field of Justice over compliance issues to help foster memory, particularly in for women,” she says. “There is not pension liabilities. patients with dementia, by providing an old boys’ network. It’s a very All the while, competitors tried resources for senior living facilities successful girls’ network in this to pick apart the agreement, and the and hospices. industry!” MLW

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CONGRATULATIONS 2014 TOP WOMEN OF THE LAW

TOP WOMEN OF LAW Professor Cynthia Mark ‘94 women Martha Davis Greater Boston Legal Services Paula Bliss ‘01 Bubalo, Goode, Gina Perini ‘01 ahead Sales & Bliss SMS/800, Inc. CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE

Elyse Cherry ’83 Pauline Quirion ’81 Boston Community Greater Boston Capital Legal Services

Congratulations to our colleague LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Carolyn Gabbay and the other Top Women of Law honorees. S. Mayumi Grigsby ’15

100 Summer Street | Boston, MA nixonpeabody.com | @Nixonpeabodyllp

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Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 17 Sally R. Gaglini Gaglini Law Group | Suff olk University Law School Sally R. Gaglini can thank NKOTB contract review for child performers “If you are going to be a for her career in entertainment law. to ensure the money they earn is Unhappy with her day job, Gaglini preserved until they turn 18. law clerk, let it be for a approached her family law professor Entertainment law can lead to band like the New Kids.” one night and asked if he knew of any a clash of egos, says Gaglini, who lawyers looking for help. He did: an practices in Boston, but she keeps a She recently completed a manuscript entertainment lawyer who had just quote from ethicist Michael Joseph- about child performers in America, signed a new client, Nynuk. Gaglini son on her desk to ground her, which hoping to provide guidance about soon found herself aiding in the reads: “What will matter is every act the law and assist star kids and representation of one of the biggest of integrity, compassion, courage, or their families. boy bands of the 1980s when the sacrifi ce that enriched, empowered, Since 1988, Gaglini has also group changed its name to New Kids or encouraged others to emulate served as a court-appointed on the Block. your example.” guardian ad litem for people with “If you are going to be a law clerk, Gaglini shares her expertise as special needs. let it be for a band like the New Kids,” an adjunct faculty member at her She is a member of the board of she says. “Lightning struck once and I alma mater, teaching a typically directors for the Massachusetts Fam- happened to be there.” fi lled-to-capacity entertainment ily & Probate American Inn of Court One of Gaglini’s fi rst assignments law course each year and off ering and created Zip Celebrity, Inc., which was to research child performer stat- summer internships to law students matches celebrities and sponsorship, utes. Later in her career, she drafted through the Rappaport Center for with a portion of licensing fees going the Massachusetts law that requires Law and Public Service at Suff olk. to charity. MLW

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Cynthia E. Gates Assistant judicial case manager, Plymouth County Probate & Family Court Boston College Law School As an assistant judicial case “It’s a fi ne line,” she says. “My job government fi eld. manager for the Plymouth County is not to take away business from an Recently, Gates worked closely with Probate & Family Court, Cynthia E. attorney being paid to do this work, the Plymouth County Bar Association Gates spends at least seven hours a day but there are a lot of folks who will to obtain approval for a conciliation in the courtroom. never be able to hire an attorney and program for her court, a service that Working closely with all the need help.” previously was unavailable. Once the players — from the judge to the Gates might guide a grandparent necessary training was completed, attorneys to self-represented liti- to the correct forms necessary to fi le a the program was off and running and gants — Gates tries to facilitate the guardianship petition, for example, and today boasts a 65 percent settlement process for everyone involved. She explain which documents need to be rate of cases referred to date. She reviews all the case fi les prior to a fi led and how to get before the judge. continues to support the program as a hearing or appearance, ensuring Gates transitioned to government member of the Probate & Family Court that everything is in order and work after a brief stint in private Conciliation Committee. noting important points for practice. She initially began as a service Active in the PCBA as a former the judge. And she often offi cer for the Probate & Family Court member of the board of directors and assists attorneys facing a and then moved to her current position, co-chair of the Education Committee, unique issue of law. which she has held for 25 years. she also serves as secretary of the A large portion of her “I always wanted to help people,” Southeastern Massachusetts Family time is devoted to helping she says of what motivated her to Law American Inn of Court, a group she those who do not have counsel. attend law school and enter the co-founded. MLW

18 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW A. Silvana Giner Partner, Choate, Hall & Stewart | Stanford Law School

For A. Silvana Giner, the selection “I wanted to work with with families through both ups and of wealth management as a practice individuals and be a downs over the years. area was reached through a process Giner combines her professional of elimination. counselor.” expertise with her community interests She originally considered corporate as a trustee of the Social Law Library law as an option but ruled it out. So trusts with more than $300 million in in Boston. when she joined a law fi rm after grad- aggregate value. “It’s connected to the world I live uation, she worked her way through Her practice is split roughly 50/50 in every day and allows me to help the other practice areas (“No, no, no working as a trustee and preparing lawyers have access to the materials … ”) until she reached the private estate planning documents and they need,” Giner says of her work in client group. counseling her clients, who often are assisting the SLL remain vibrant in “I wanted to work with individuals grappling with “how much is too much” the age of technology. and be a counselor, and it seemed like to leave to their children and the details She also chairs the the right fi t,” she recalls. of charitable giving. Planned Giving Committee The fi t turned out to be perfect. While family dynamics can rear its for the University of Almost 30 years later, Giner is co-chair ugly head in the planning process, “it’s Massachusetts Amherst of the wealth management group defi nitely easier when you are not part Foundation, which gives at Boston’s Choate, Hall & Stewart of the family,” Giner says. “I can come in her an opportunity to where she advises at least a dozen and be more objective.” stay connected to her clients with net worth in excess of She fi nds value in her often long- undergraduate alma mater $100 million and serves as a trustee on term relationships with clients, working and give back. MLW

“I try to give a voice to Charlotte E. Glinka people who otherwise Partner, Keches Law Group | Suff olk University Law School would not have the means For Charlotte E. Glinka, practicing to school to earn her law degree. Her or ability to fi ght to protect law is more than putting in hours at interest in trial work was cemented their rights.” the offi ce. after getting involved in moot court. “I knew when I became a lawyer — Today, the Taunton lawyer kind of work I do, and I’m thrilled to be particularly a trial lawyer — that it represents plaintiff s who have been able to lead the organization.” wasn’t going to be just a job,” catastrophically injured or have lost a As part of her platform as she says. “I see it not only as a loved one. president, Glinka has been putting chance to do good one case “I try to give a voice to people who her support behind MATA’s “End at a time, but to make some otherwise would not have the means or Distracted Driving Program,” visiting inroads into people’s views ability to fi ght to protect their rights,” she high schools and speaking to students about lawyers.” says. “Getting a thank-you from a client on the subject. Glinka spent 10 years for whom I’ve achieved even a modest “As trial lawyers, we see the horrible in the advertising settlement, for whom it makes a mean- impact distracted driving has,” she says. industry before ingful diff erence, that is a great feeling.” “We don’t lecture them but engage returning Involved with the Massachusetts in a dialogue, and we hope that we Academy of Trial Attorneys since she are changing attitudes. It’s been really became a lawyer, Glinka was elected rewarding to talk to these students and president of the organization for the see them get it.” 2014-2015 term. She is also a member of the “It is such a great honor,” she says. Massachusetts Bar Association and the “These are my peers who do the same American Association for Justice. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 19 Zoila M. Gomez Law Offi ces of Zoila M. Gomez | Massachusetts School of Law, Andover

As the smallest of her group of law and the people I was trying to of her caseload, Gomez serves on the friends and cousins growing up in a help,” she says. “I was driven to do as University of Massachusetts Board of rural area of the Dominican Republic, much as I could. I just felt like I was on Trustees, chaired the Committee to Zoila M. Gomez couldn’t fi ght with a mission.” Elect Mayor Daniel Rivera, co-hosts a her hands. Instead, she learned at an The experience made her choice local radio show and teaches classes early age about fi ghting in a diff erent easy. While still in law school, Gomez on immigration at her alma mater, way — by arguing to defend others. opened her own business as an im- Northern Essex Community College. The fi rst in her family to attend migration consultant, helping people Mentoring youth is especially college, let alone graduate school, navigate the system. By the time she important to Gomez, who didn’t have Gomez came to the United States at graduated in 2006 and opened her a guide of her own. As the president of age 18 and put herself through school. own practice, she had a client base the Board of Directors of the Youth De- The journey wasn’t without bumps, as ready and waiting. “People every day velopment Organization in Lawrence, she recalled being “panicked” about not were asking me, ‘When can you take she can be the mentor for others that knowing what area of law would be my case?’” she didn’t have. the best fi t. Gomez, who practices in Lawrence, “We help kids like me — the fi rst But during her time working in doesn’t take her success for granted one to aspire to go to college in their Congressman Martin Meehan’s offi ce, and makes every eff ort to give back families [who] have so much talent but Gomez became an immigration case- to her community. In addition to pro are in a city like Lawrence and may not worker and discovered her passion. bono work from her offi ce, which she have a ton of options or opportunities,” “I fell in love with that area of the estimates comprises about 10 percent she explains. MLW

We are proud to support the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly KLG WOULD LIKE TO 2014 Top Women of Law and congratulate CONGRATULATE CHARLOTTE E. GLINKA Shayla Harlev and her fellow honorees ALONG WITH ALL THE TOP WOMEN OF LAW HONOREES

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weil.com Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

20 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW

Lawyers Weekly Advertising The space you purchased has been reserved and the above copy must be approved by Wednes- day at 3pm. The ad will run as shown unless we are notified of changes. Ad Rep: Kelsey Client: Keches I approve the above ad to appear in Lawyers Weekly on ______according to their stated terms and conditions at a rate of $ ______Size/Section: TWOL 3.5x4.5 Date: 2014 Client signature: ______Please sign and return a copy of this ad by Wednesday 3pm. DESIGN vw FAX (617) 451-7326 Eileen M. Hagerty “I really admire my clients. Partner, Kotin, Crabtree & Strong | Harvard Law School Most of them have really full As the parent of children with special Hagerty says. “I kept doing more and plates, with both parents needs, Eileen M. Hagerty is more than more of it and today it’s all that I do.” working and other kids, familiar with the struggles and chal- From the initial process by which a and children with special lenges she guides her clients through in child is determined to be eligible for her special education law practice. special education, to establishing an needs take a lot of time and Hagerty began her career as a appropriate educational program, to attention.” general civil litigator, working at a large proceeding through the team meeting law fi rm in Boston, the U.S. Attorney’s process at the school level or the Bureau “By helping a student get a better Offi ce and for several years at an of Special Education Appeals and any education, who knows if that puts them all-women’s fi rm she co-founded with subsequent appeals, Hagerty handles on the path to complete high school, four other colleagues. all aspects of special education disputes. college or live independently?” she says. But after going through the process “I really admire my clients,” Hagerty “I’m honored and privileged to be able of securing an education program and says. “Most of them have really full to play a part in it.” placement for her own child using plates, with both parents working and To raise awareness of her practice Boston’s Kotin, Crabtree & Strong as other kids, and children with special area, Hagerty frequently writes and counsel, Hagerty went to work for the needs take a lot of time and attention.” lectures on the topic and serves fi rm. She also began taking special Hagerty also appreciates her ability as a member of the board of di- education cases, representing children to make a diff erence in her clients’ lives, rectors of the Massachusetts with disabilities and their parents in because the “ripple eff ect” of a good Advocates for Children and disputes with school systems. result in one of her cases can spread a the group’s Autism Advi- “I discovered that I really loved it,” long way. sory Committee. MLW

Shayla K. Harlev Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges | Tel-Aviv University Shayla K. Harlev is a two-time “There is a huge sense of of accomplishment and a sense of pride immigrant, moving from Turkey to Israel accomplishment and a sense that comes with closing a deal.” as a child and later to the United States As a member of the fi rm’s pro bono as an adult. Those moves have shaped of pride that comes with committee, Harlev and her team review her legal practice. closing a deal.” organizations and lead community “Each move has helped to build my eff orts for the offi ce. confi dence and has taught me cross-cul- hired, she fl ew to Turkey with the “Our philosophy is to create oppor- tural knowledge and communication managing partner and negotiated the tunities for people instead of forcing skills, allowing me to assist clients with term sheet for the deal. them to take on tasks that may not fi t their transactional work,” she says. Hooked on private equity, she has their interests and passions,” she says. Harlev graduated from law stuck with it ever since, which led She also serves as the Boston offi ce’s school in Israel and worked for a her to Weil’s Boston offi ce. Harlev has diversity partner and is a member of the small fi rm focused on litigation represented some of the world’s leading fi rm’s diversity committee. and corporate law. She didn’t love private equity fi rms, and earlier this year Harlev is the outside counsel for it and began exploring her op- she advised Berkshire Partners in the the Massachusetts Legal Assistance tions when she found a boutique sale of its portfolio company, National Corporation, where she works on fi rm working on a Turkish deal. Vision, Inc., to an affi liate of KKR for over various corporate and litigation matters, It “was right up my alley,” $1 billion. such as a recent merger of an entity Harlev says. “Each and every deal is an achieve- funded by MLAC with a federally funded Within a week of being ment,” she says. “There is a huge sense entity. MLW

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Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 21 Mary Jo Johnson Partner, WilmerHale | Boston College Law School Mary Jo Johnson’s belief in the fi rm and the Women’s Bar Foundation, “Even though I was late to power of mentoring is clear from her representing victims of domestic abuse professional and community activities. in divorce and child custody cases. The the law, I found everything Currently co-chair of the Women’s pro bono work off ers further oppor- as exciting and interesting Bar Association’s Women’s Leadership tunities for guiding young lawyers, as I had imagined.” Initiative, which mentors young female she notes. members of the bar, she also mentors “The cases are a great way to “Even winning a motion in associates at her fi rm through its career develop skills and maintain enthusiasm limine — making things fairer for advancement program, which she has for the law,” Johnson says. someone going to trial — that gives been a part of for 15 years. Her expertise in representing me the biggest sense of achievement,” “People complain about the corporations and fi nancial institutions she says. organized programs. But it’s very in her securities and regulatory and She chairs the Governance important to have a mentor, and I fi nd government aff airs practice belies Committee of the Massachusetts the organized programs keep the focus her late start to the law. During a Adoption Resource Exchange on mentorship,” she says. post-college hiatus, she kept law school and acts as her fi rm’s liaison She also conducts in-depth training in the back of her mind and eventually to the Hyde Square Task for her WilmerHale colleagues on fulfi lled her wish. Force in Jamaica Plain. A matters such as taking depositions, “Even though I was late to the law, I former president of the conducting internal investigations, trial found everything as exciting and inter- WBF, she currently advocacy and discovery. esting as I had imagined,” she says. serves on the orga- Johnson devotes signifi cant hours And for Johnson, it’s the little things nization’s board of to pro bono eff orts through her Boston that make her practice so rewarding. directors. MLW

Maria J. Krokidas Founder, Krokidas & Bluestein | Harvard Law School Maria J. Krokidas can sum up in “We have fi gured out a way Krokidas says. “We have fi gured out a just one word what she felt the day way to do good, make enough money Krokidas & Bluestein was launched: to do good, make enough to keep us happy, and work together in “terror.” money to keep us happy, a really constructive, healthy environ- She and her partner, Richard M. and work together in a ment. That’s pretty special.” Bluestein, had taken out personal Outside the fi rm, Krokidas works loans to launch the fi rm — a banker really constructive, healthy with Nurtury, Inc., a provider of early had told them that if they didn’t have environment. That’s pretty education for infants and toddlers in enough confi dence in themselves to special.” Boston and Cambridge. A former chair, do so, why would the bank? — and current clerk and board member for she desperately hoped the phone 30 years, Krokidas has helped guide would ring. fi ll every hour of your day with a billable the organization’s growth and the With the Boston fi rm now celebrat- matter. But you may not like what I give construction of a new “Learning Lab” ing its 35th anniversary, the phone you. So come talk to me, and let’s fi gure located in the Bromley-Heath Housing obviously rang — a lot. out a way to make that happen,’” she Development in Jamaica Plain. In addition to focusing on working says. “People feel like they have a stake Working with the group “has been in the areas of public and nonprofi t in the business.” an amazing experience,” Krokidas says. law, Krokidas and her partner strove The fi rm encourages employees to She also sits on the board for the to create a culture of inclusiveness at get involved as much as they want and Boston Lyric Opera and Road Scholar, their fi rm. to understand how the business oper- an organization that arranges edu- “I say to new lawyers, ‘You can come ates and the impact of each decision. cational travel experiences for older into the fi rm, sit at your desk, and I can “This place is very unusual,” adults. MLW

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22 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Robyn K. Laukien Staff counsel and pro bono coordinator, Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts Boston College Law School

After a decade of corporate law courtroom — Laukien began working The emotional component of the practice, Robyn K. Laukien’s career path for the center full time. job will always be a challenge, though. veered in a diff erent direction: helping “I was compelled to pursue this area “You can’t go home and forget disadvantaged children. of law, and I feel fortunate that I made about the meeting you just had or A dedicated volunteer with the New the switch,” she says. the fi le you just read,” notes Laukien, England Aquarium, Laukien visited The diff erence between the two who says she often receives calls from Head Start schools and homeless shel- practice areas was dramatic: Now, children asking her what is happening. ters as part of an education program she begins the day in the courtroom, “But just when I think I need to walk called Beach Teach, bringing touch and, having left behind the world of away from this job, something positive tanks with sea stars and hermit crabs to paralegals and assistants, she handles will happen for one of my clients and teach the children about the ocean and all her own administrative needs. my batteries are recharged, and I know its creatures. During her visits, Laukien Laukien represents children this is why I do this.” learned of the need for advocacy on who have been removed from their Laukien continues to give her time behalf of low-income children. Interest- parents due to abuse or neglect, in to the New England Aquarium as ed, she began volunteering as a foster care and protection actions. She also an overseer and was a founding care reviewer and at the Children’s Law coordinates the group’s pro bono member of the Lincoln Fam- Center in Lynn. program, recruiting, training and ily Association, a nonprofi t Inspired by her work — and mentoring volunteer attorneys as well geared toward creating family with a crash course in litigation as matching lawyers with children events and a sense of commu- skills, having never stepped foot in a for representation. nity in the town. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 23 Shari A. Levitan Partner, Holland & Knight | Suff olk University Law School

Prior to her legal career, Shari A. develop leadership skills by bringing seeks to provide urban young adults Levitan worked in the life insurance in- people together to talk about a with skills and support so that they can dustry. She saw a lot of estate planning complex issue that needs resolution in pursue careers in the area of fi nance documents come across her desk and a non-confrontational way. or IT. She now volunteers as a mentor began to think: “I could do that.” “The practice of law is ultimately for the organization, helping to ensure So she did, enrolling in the evening about people,” Levitan says, and her that the participants are well equipped program at Suff olk University Law relationships with clients can last for higher education or a profession- School. She ultimately became the decades. “I see them when they have al career. chair of Holland & Knight’s New young families until the later stages of Within the legal community, England Private Wealth Services Group life. These are people I get to know over Levitan participates as a member of in Boston, where she counsels high net- a period of many, many years and I love the Massachusetts Continu- worth individuals and their families. that about what I do.” ing Legal Education’s “Finding the right fi t for the particular Levitan combines her professional curriculum committee for client can be a bit like a puzzle and pursuits with community involvement estate planning and the it is very satisfying when you fi nd it,” by working with The Boston Foundation fi duciary litigation and she says. as a former chair of the Professional estate and gift tax Levitan also works in the dispute Advisors Committee and a current committees of the resolution area, performing work like member of an advisory committee. American College helping trustees dealing with unhappy Through her work with the foundation of Trust and Estate benefi ciaries, which has helped her she learned about Year Up, a group that Counsel. MLW

SUBMITTED PHOTO Shannon Liss-Riordan Partner, Lichten & Liss-Riordan | Harvard Law School

With a nickname like “Sledgeham- people,” she says. She expects to continue her focus mer Shannon,” it’s clear that Shannon Liss-Riordan’s clients have ranged on wage and hour cases, although Liss-Riordan is not afraid to fi ght for from waiters and bartenders to exotic she’s concerned about the potential for her clients. dancers to airline skycaps. A group of plaintiff s to be shut out of the court- Working with Bella S. Abzug after American Airlines skycaps came up with room because of class action waivers college taught Liss-Riordan about the her nickname after she won a $325,000 included in arbitration agreements power lawyers could have in shaping verdict on their behalf. used by employers. society and advocating for what Recently, she has turned her “Courts are increasingly enforcing they believe in. attention to cleaning workers and these agreements and it is changing Knowing she wanted to cab drivers. how we practice law in this area,” she focus on civil rights in the “I’ve really enjoyed representing a says. For example, instead of fi ling a employment law arena, wide variety of working people, seeing class action, Liss-Riordan recently fi led Liss-Riordan fell into how the law might be applied to them 100 individual arbitration disputes. wage and hour and helping even out the balance of Despite the challenges, “I feel really work. “It is a power a bit between workers and fortunate to be able to pursue justice fascinating employers,” she says. for workers and people who have not area of the Liss-Riordan has also advocated for historically had the power in their law and a low-wage workers at the State House relationships and create inroads in rel- great place and was recently invited to join the atively new areas of the law,” she says. to be able to board of Public Citizen, the consumer “I’m proud of the nickname because it do some good in rights organization founded by means that I’m a strong advocate for the world for working Ralph Nader. my clients.” MLW

24 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Ray D. Madoff Professor, Boston College Law School | New York University School of Law Ray D. Madoff strives to make the “What I’m really interested so exciting to get to know all of these arcane and complex — like the char- students who are such a fantastic itable deduction or the philosophical in a lot of people think mixture of talents and experiences underpinnings behind trust and estate is technical and not that and dreams.” law — clear and easy to understand. relevant because it involves While talking with her students, From her decades of teaching at Madoff emphasizes the importance Boston College Law School to her seven the interests of wealthy or of not just taking the fi rst job that op-eds in the New York Times, Madoff famous people.” comes along. “I tell them they have to strives to educate law students and do the thing they love to do because the public. countries in how it handles the reputa- they will do that job better than any “What I’m really interested in a lot tion and property of the deceased. other job.” of people think is technical and not Teaching was a lifelong goal for The author of “Immortality and the that relevant because it involves the Madoff and she fi nds it a “tremendous Law: The Rising Power of the American interests of wealthy or famous people,” honor and pleasure” to play a part in Dead” and lead author of “Practical Madoff says. “But the issues aren’t as law students’ intellectual and emo- Guide To Estate Planning” as well as complicated as they seem and often tional development, often acting as a many articles and book chap- refl ect ways in which things are not as mentor to the thousands of students ters, Madoff is a member of we would want them in society.” she has taught over the years. the American Law Institute Societal values are refl ected in how “One of the things I love about and a fellow of the Amer- the law treats the dead, she says, and being at BC is helping students fi nd ican College of Trust and the United States diff ers from other their way in the world,” she says. “It’s Estate Counsel. MLW

Regina Snow Mandl Partner, Smith, Duggan, Buell & Rufo | Boston College Law School What do Justice Sonia Sotomay- past president of the Massachusetts the legal profession,” Mandl says, and or and Regina Snow Mandl have Family and Probate American Inn of “the collegiality with the judiciary and in common? Court as well as a past president and court personnel make it quite unique.” A love of Perry Mason. The intrepid current member of the board of direc- Mandl’s practice, focused on family television lawyer sparked Mandl’s tors of the Massachusetts American Inn law, estate planning and administra- interest in the law as a young girl, of Court. tion, and probate litigation, has evolved just as he did for the Supreme Court Drawing on her expertise in the over the years. At one point early in justice. Mandl was able to mention organization, she off ered counseling her career, Mandl was at home with their shared fandom when she met and support to the founders of two her children and working part time. Sotomayor at an American Inns of other newly established groups, the She and a few other women banded Court Foundation dinner held at the South East Massachusetts Family Law together to form a monthly lunch group Supreme Court two years ago. American Inn of Court and the Greater to talk about estate planning issues and “She was very cool,” Boston Family Law American Inn their shared experiences as mothers Mandl recalls. of Court. and attorneys. It’s no surprise that Mandl’s At the national level, she serves on “That group has now been meeting work with the American the board of trustees for the American for over 30 years,” the Lincoln attor- Inns of Court led to Inns of Court Foundation as well as ney says. her “lucky” Supreme the new Inn Development Committee Mandl also gives her time to the Court meeting. Mandl and chairs the Family Law Inn Alliance, Volunteer Lawyers Project at the Boston has been extensively comprised of 24 nationwide Inns. Bar Association and acts as a mentor for involved for several years “The Inns of Court are dedicated to the New York University Lawyer Alumni as a founding member and professionalism, ethics and civility in Mentoring Program. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 25 Cynthia Mark Managing attorney, Asian Outreach Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services Northeastern University School of Law Thousands of immigrant workers “More workers know their them,” she says. can thank Cynthia Mark for her eff orts Over the last 20 years of her career, to improve their working conditions. rights, and when they know “attitudes have really changed,” she Mark has spent her legal career their rights [they] want to notes. “More workers know their in the Asian Outreach Unit of Greater advocate for their rights.” rights, and when they know their Boston Legal Services working with rights [they] want to advocate for Asian immigrants and people with got paid about $2.50 per hour.” their rights.” limited English profi ciency, represent- A current case she’s handling in- Mark’s passion for what she does ing workers seeking minimum wage, volves day care workers who continued extends to her civic and community overtime and the timely payment to work for their employer after the involvement. She represents of wages. business fi led for bankruptcy; some the Coalition to Protect Asian She recently helped a class of rough- employees are owed up to six months’ American Voting Rights and ly 300 former Super 88 workers recover back pay. serves as a board member almost $1 million. They had worked for Mark can see the impact her cases of the Harry H. Dow years without earning the minimum have made over the last two decades. Memorial Legal Assis- wage or overtime. “When I fi rst started, it was really tance Fund and Justice “The average worker was paid be- diffi cult to fi nd clients because the at Work, a nonprofi t tween $5 and $6 per hour and routinely illegal practices were so engrained and that supports the or- worked 60 hours per week with no people in the immigrant community ganizing of immigrant overtime,” Mark recalls. “One worker believed that the law didn’t apply to workers. MLW

Jennifer L. Markowski Partner, Peabody & Arnold | Suff olk University Law School

Jennifer L. Markowski’s dedication “I had spent so much time really rewarding victory,” she says. to her clients was on full display a few with the individuals who Markowski is a member of the years back when she handled a trial Boston, Women’s and Massachu- while nine months’ pregnant. worked there and felt setts bar associations, the Defense “When we started the case I wasn’t strongly about the case that Research Institute and the Real Estate even pregnant,” she remarks. Bar Association for Massachusetts, Markowski made it through trial it was a really rewarding where she serves as a member of the without going into labor — and won victory.” board of directors and co-chairs the the case. Ethics Committee. A defense-side litigator, Markowski victory in Superior Court on behalf of an For the last few years, Markowski focuses primarily on employment as employer accused of gender discrimina- has been a member of her Boston well as professional liability cases, tion and sexual harassment. The suit in- fi rm’s hiring committee — “a really representing a range of industries from volved extensive discovery, unexpected interesting process” that also aff ords lawyers to accountants to engineers to challenges and a hard-fought trial that her the opportunity to mentor new real estate brokers. lasted seven days. associates, she says. “I love the variety and that no Not long after the jury started A member of the Executive two days or two cases are the same,” deliberating, it returned a verdict for Women’s Golf Association, she plays she says. Markowski’s client. in multiple charity tournaments every When she refl ects on her career “I had spent so much time with the year. In addition to completing a sprint to date and the successful outcomes individuals who worked there and felt triathlon, she recently caught the it’s included, one case stands out: a strongly about the case that it was a marathon bug. MLW

26 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW

Congratulates Our Friend and Colleague JENNIFER L. MARKOWSKI For Being Selected By Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly bc law As A 2014 TOP WOMEN OF LAW HONOREE

600 Atlantic Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02210 (617) 951-2100 www.peabodyarnold.com Jessica A. Massey Associate general counsel, Walmart Stores, Inc. | Suff olk University Law School

Even before she went to high school “I am blessed to have the opportu- the national convention held in Mas- Jessica A. Massey knew she wanted to nity to bounce around and do diff erent sachusetts in 2015 for the celebration be a prosecutor. things,” she says. “All of them have been of the 40th annual convention of the She made that dream a reality when interesting and every time I get a case, Hispanic National Bar Association. she joined the Suff olk County District it’s completely diff erent than the one A member of the board of trustees of Attorney’s Offi ce just a few days after before. It keeps me interested, which Suff olk University, Massey uses her ex- taking the bar exam. is good because I don’t like doing the pertise to teach report writing from the For more than a decade, Massey same thing too long.” prosecutor’s perspective at the state prosecuted defendants on behalf of the Continuing to mix it up, Massey police academy and participates in county and later the state as an assistant recently started a new job as associate several mentoring programs. attorney general. At the AG’s Offi ce, general counsel at Walmart. She is “I wouldn’t have gotten she began in the special investigations also extensively involved with the where I am without other and narcotics division, then spent Massachusetts Association of Hispanic people to show me the way,” time conducting asset forfeitures. Her Attorneys and currently serves as she says. “I really enjoy talking experience in recovering assets led to a president of the group. In that role, to young lawyers about switch to white-collar crime. Assigned Massey has pushed to increase the life and school and to the insurance and unemployment organization’s footprint in the state, explaining that it’s not fraud side, Massey also worked in the quadrupling the number of events this as scary as they think Public Integrity Division. year, and spearheaded eff orts to get it might be.” MLW

Joan Meschino Executive director, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice University of New Hampshire School of Law Joan Meschino has always kept her Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Outreach and support typically ends eye on the bigger picture. Law and Justice to focus on groups of after high school, Meschino says, and Gravitating toward social justice, people and structural reforms or points Appleseed drafted a concept paper as she began her legal career as a criminal in the system that could be changed for part of a think tank to identify systemic defense attorney. the better. barriers and develop best practices to “There is no substitute to having a Appleseed’s mission is to promote implement change. good lawyer help you every step of the equal rights and opportunities for Appleseed advocates an end to way navigating the system,” she says. residents of Massachusetts. Under zero tolerance discipline policies and “But I began to understand that I was Meschino’s leadership, the organization encourages schools to adopt new helping one person at a time and that has launched a number of initiatives, strategies to mitigate the eff ects of the for a lot of the challenges and issues including authoring legislation to school-to-prison pipeline. my clients were facing, there were create a special commission to address Meschino also serves on the Mas- other solutions that could help the needs of homeless youth. sachusetts Bar Association’s Access to whole groups of people.” “We discovered that these kids fl y Justice Section Council, the Mentoring Stepping back from in- under the radar screen,” she says. Circle of the Women’s Bar Association dividual representation, The group has also focused its atten- and as a board member of the Hull Meschino became tion on supporting access to public edu- Life Saving Museum. She recently executive cation, particularly helping homeless completed two terms on the Board of director of the youth succeed at higher education. Selectmen in the town of Hull. MLW

28 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW C E I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL Jennifer Grace Miller Chief, Government Bureau, Attorney General’s Offi ce Boston University School of Law Arguing before the U.S. Supreme that the First Amendment permits the Court this year was a bit of an accident regulation of protests that occur on the for Jennifer Grace Miller. public spaces around them. The case — McCullen v. Coakley — And the National Association of At- was a challenge to the state’s 35-foot torneys General selected the AG’s Offi ce buff er zone surrounding reproductive brief for its “Best Brief” award — a “real health facilities, designed to protect honor,” Miller says. public safety at the clinics and ensure Win or lose, Miller considers health care access to thousands of women each year, Miller says. With “I am lucky enough to work in the the justices having recently considered public sector and handle some of another buff er zone case and a diff erent lawyer in the Attorney General’s Offi ce the most interesting, challenging, handling the earlier appeals, Miller did cutting-edge cases.” not realize she would soon be standing before the highest court in the land. appearing before the Supreme Court But the justices granted cert and the the professional highlight of her career, attorney handling the case was appoint- even with appellate work at both the ed to the bench, so Miller stepped in. state and federal level in which she “Preparing for oral argument was takes much pride. the hardest thing I’ve ever done and the Prior to joining the AG’s Offi ce in hardest I’ve ever worked,” she says. 2007, Miller spent a few years in the Even with all the prep work (includ- private sector, then three years as senior ing three moot oral arguments), Miller staff counsel at the Supreme Judicial knew winning her position was a tough Court and three years as an assistant so- row to hoe before the current makeup licitor general in the New York Attorney of the court. General’s Offi ce. The experience is something Miller “I am very fortunate in that I will never forget, from jumping ahead have had a really interesting and of the line to tell security that she was varied career,” says Miller, who serves arguing counsel that day (“a ridiculous as a co-chair of the Women’s Bar thing to come out of your mouth,” she Association’s Women’s Leadership says, laughing) to being whisked around Initiative. “I am lucky enough to work the building by men in morning coats. in the public sector and handle some At one point, in a hallway lined with of the most interesting, challenging, portraits of all the former justices, Miller cutting-edge cases.” stood beneath the painting of Justice Being a lawyer was always on Sandra Day O’Conner “in the hope of Miller’s short list of possible careers, getting some good vibes.” along with actress, singer, scientist “and While the court struck down the a bunch of other things.” And she knew zone, “there were some victories she wanted to be a litigator. buried” in the decision itself, Miller says, “I didn’t ever dream I would end up including that the state has a legitimate before the Supreme Court, though,” she interest in protecting facilities and says. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 29 Gloriann Moroney Chief, Child Protection Unit, Suff olk County District Attorney’s Offi ce New England School of Law

Gloriann Moroney is a voice for Moroney says, “I know what I am doing “I got the bug,” she recalls. “I children in Suff olk County. is a just and right thing. And there is remember coming home and telling As chief of the Child Protection Unit absolutely nothing more rewarding my husband I wanted to work there. He at the Suff olk County District Attorney’s than seeing justice be done.” gave me six months to get it out of my Offi ce, her caseload involves the As a young prosecutor, Moroney system. It’s been 12 years.” prosecution of major felonies against found child-related crimes intimidating. Moroney’s desire to protect can children, such as homicide, rape, hu- Becoming a mother empowered her to also be found in her involvement man traffi cking and possession of child fi ght against those who abuse children. with the Suff olk County Child pornography. The post requires her to “We all know that child abuse Fatality Review Team, an supervise 10 other attorneys and triage exists, but what really surprised me interdisciplinary group with and assign new cases that come in. was the volume of the abuse,” Moroney representatives from multiple Even with a decade of experience says. “It’s absolutely outrageous, and agencies that evaluate cases prosecuting domestic violence and as a mother, my anger motivates and family histories. The sexual assault cases, Moroney fi nds the me to want to comfort and protect intent: not to engage work emotionally challenging. these children.” in Monday-morning “Children are a whole diff erent Although she always wanted to be quarterbacking, but to realm,” she says. “And it’s not just the an attorney and could see herself in the determine if some- children that have been traumatized, courtroom, Moroney initially fi gured thing could have been but also their families. Some days are she’d end up in private practice. Then done, all in an eff ort harder than others.” she landed a law school internship at to prevent a future But even on the hardest days, the District Attorney’s Offi ce. death from occurring. MLW

Elizabeth M. Myers Partner, Verrill Dana | Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Boston attorney Elizabeth M. Myers the board of directors for WaterFire directors and chair of the governance chose her corporate law practice in Providence, the artistic installation on committee. Myers says she loves the part because of the scarcity of women the river fl owing through downtown mission of the world relief organiza- in the fi eld. Providence where fi res are lit along tion, which supports eff orts to build She advises clients with respect to the water. schools and infrastructure to promote a host of corporate aff airs, handling “It was intended to be an experience education, with a particular emphasis mergers and acquisitions as for families to get together and par- on girls. well as venture capital issues. ticipate in something extraordinary at “I want to ensure that there are She also counsels health care no cost,” Myers says. “And it ballooned qualifi ed and talented women from providers in the context of into an amazing event that helped to the next generation and generations antitrust and does some work revitalize the city of Providence.” beyond to take what we have done and in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Crowds of up to 70,000 people expand upon it,” Myers says. Next year, Act arena. gather on WaterFire nights, packing she will travel into the fi eld, visiting “I enjoy working with the city’s hotels and restaurants. Myers some of Plan’s sites around the world. corporations and individuals chairs the group’s board, which now A member of the American Bar to maximize their growth,” helps other cities seeking to replicate Association, Massachusetts Bar Associ- she says. Providence’s success. ation, Rhode Island Bar Association and That desire to maximize Another of her passions is her work American Health Lawyers Association, growth can also be seen outside with Plan International. Myers is a Myers is a fellow of the Rhode Island the offi ce. In 2006, she joined member of the U.S. chapter’s board of Foundation. MLW

30 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Elizabeth M. Myers

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has confirmed what we’ve always known. Betsy Myers is one of the Top Women of Law.

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VERD.19155 BetsyMyersTopWomenofLawAd.2014.v8.indd 1 8/28/14 3:20 PM Kimberly L. Nelson Chief legal offi cer, Atrius Health and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Suff olk University Law School

Looking to make a change in her ca- medical groups and guides strategy healthier,” she says. For example, the reer, Kimberly L. Nelson once described for the organizations. In addition to organization conducts reviews in which her ideal job as a mission-driven her position with Atrius, the parent physicians get a list of diabetic patients position that would combine the law corporation of the groups, she also and sit down with a team to ask: Where and health care (in recognition of her serves as chief legal offi cer of one of is that patient right now? Have all the fi rst career as a nurse). the medical groups, Harvard Vanguard necessary screenings been done? Is a Soon after she landed the perfect Medical Associations, a multi-spe- treatment plan in place? job, taking a position in the general cialty group with 18 practice sites in “What drives me every day is that counsel’s offi ce of what was then eastern Massachusetts, roughly 4,000 I am working for an organization Harvard Community Health Plan. employees and more than $1.2 billion that cares immensely about our Twenty-two years later, Nelson is the in annual revenues. patients,” Nelson says. chief legal offi cer of Atrius Health. The organization strives to achieve Nelson has worked with the “One of the things I’ve learned is the “triple aim” of improving the pa- Health Policy Division of the At- that you can’t stand still, especially in tient experience, improving the health torney General’s Offi ce and the a fi eld like health care,” she says. “We of populations and reducing the cost of Health Policy Commission, and are constantly readjusting our structure health care, Nelson explains, while also is a member of the American and trying to be innovative in how we recognizing the importance of clinicians Health Lawyers Association, the take care of our patients.” and staff , “our biggest asset.” American Medical Group Asso- As CLO, Nelson oversees a nonprofi t On a basic level, this means ciation Council of Attorneys and the alliance of six community-based “creating ways to help our patients stay Massachusetts Bar Association. MLW

Jody L. Newman Today, “discrimination is less Partner, Collora | Suff olk University Law School overt and hate-based and much more the product of Discrimination may have changed their male counterparts are praised for but it can still be found in the those characteristics. entrenched stereotyping.” workplace, says Boston attorney Newman has remained at the same That said, Newman relishes her Jody L. Newman. Newman focuses fi rm for all 30 years of her career, but chance to mix it up in the courtroom. her employment law practice on the her practice has evolved to include the Her most recent victory came in a trial representation of plaintiff s, particularly mediation of employment disputes in July. women and other minorities, on the as well as conducting indepen- A member of the Boston Bar Asso- receiving end of what she calls “Dis- dent investigations. ciation and the National Employment crimination 2.0.” “After being a lawyer and advo- Law Association, the bulk of Newman’s Today, “discrimination is less overt cating and litigating in this arena for involvement is with the Women’s Bar and hate-based and much more the 30 years, I have a good sense of the Association and the Lawyers’ Commit- product of entrenched stereotyping,” dynamics in these kinds of cases and tee for Civil Rights Under Law. Newman says. “The face of discrimina- I’m able to get to the truth,” she says. A former board member of the WBA tion has gone underground.” Both mediation and investigations and current co-chair of the Law Firm For example, instead of overt sex- are just other forms of legal problem Advancement Committee, which is ism, women in the workplace are sub- solving, Newman says, albeit forms that dedicated to helping women advance ject to classic stereotypes, where men move more quickly than litigation. “The and stay in law fi rms, Newman “fi ghts are presumed to be competent while beauty of mediation and investigations the good fi ght” with the Lawyers’ women need to prove their abilities, is that they solve the problem in a short Committee by chairing the group’s or where women who are assertive or time while cases can go on and on development committee and serving as aggressive are viewed negatively while for years.” co-counsel on cases. MLW

32 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Laura A. Panos “To get and keep a client, Law Offi ce of Laura A. Panos | Suff olk University Law School you have to be relatable, responsive, and clients have At 16, Laura A. Panos began work- Panos says. ing for Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a She spent six years in the legal to know you are in the ring fi le clerk. Not long after, she met the department before moving on to work with them.” president of the company at an event. in-house at Bradlees Stores and later Having already decided that she the Massachusetts Medical Society. have to know you are in the ring with wanted to be a lawyer, Panos decided Nine years ago, she launched her them,” Panos says. “No matter what, to send him a letter every year to own fi rm with a focus on employment you don’t have to have any boundaries update him on her educational progress law, representing larger businesses as for where your business can go.” and remind him of her desire to one day well as some individual plaintiff s. A member of the Massachusetts and join the general counsel’s offi ce. “I like controlling my own destiny Boston bar associations, Panos is volun- Panos worked at Blue Cross through and reaping what I sow,” the Belmont teer counsel for Wellington Elementary high school, college and law school. attorney says. “My greatest skill is my School and a board member of the When she graduated, she sent one ability to hustle.” College Diabetes Network Counsel. She last letter. In response, she received And hustle she has, attracting large previously served as a board member of an invitation to interview with the national corporations to her fi rm, the town of Belmont’s Solid Waste and law department. as well as representing a handful of Recycling Committee and the Belmont “It was good luck that there individual plaintiff s. She recently hired Human Rights Commission. happened to be an opening, and having her fi rst full-time associate. An avid runner, Panos participates in worked there so long, I had valuable “To get and keep a client, you have various charitable races to raise money internal knowledge of the company,” to be relatable, responsive, and clients for breast cancer and diabetes. MLW

Gina M. Perini President and CEO, SMS/800, Inc. | Northeastern University School of Law Intellectual property law swept make the decisions.” “What was really fun about Gina M. Perini off her feet. This year, she continued her upward She went to law school planning to rise when she became the company’s moving in-house was getting be a public interest lawyer but an ex- president and chief executive offi cer. off the sidelines and straight perience working with an IP attorney “Being a lawyer was the best into the game to make the changed her plans. training,” she says, providing her with “I completely, utterly loved it,” the background in compliance and decisions.” she says. regulatory knowledge necessary to Perini spent 12 years in private run the company, which operates the continue their discussions on a broader practice before jumping in-house North American numbering database scale and invite other members of the at SMS/800, a company she helped for toll-free numbers. legal community. create as outside counsel. Having Perini also takes on leadership “I’m really proud of what it has established good relationships positions outside of the offi ce, as a turned into,” Perini said, noting that during the process, she was excited founding member of the steering the program celebrated its sixth about becoming general counsel and committee that created and oversees anniversary earlier this year. chief administrative offi cer of the the annual Women in the Law pro- A trustee and clerk of the Groton new operation. gram and conference at Northeastern Conservation Trust and a member “As an outside lawyer, you are University School of Law. of the Historic Districts Commission, always advising and suggesting,” That conference grew out of a Perini lives in a 200-year-old house Perini says. “What was really fun about third-year seminar on women in the and is “passionate” about preserving moving in-house was getting off the law. A few years after graduation, history and sharing the history of New sidelines and straight into the game to members of the class decided to England. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 33 Katherine E. Perrelli Partner, Seyfarth Shaw | Western New England University School of Law

Katherine E. Perrelli likes wearing “When we talk to clients hit, the fi rm was developing the model multiple hats. From a multi-pronged to diff erentiate itself in the evolving practice to chairing Seyfarth Shaw’s and prospective clients, legal fi eld. national litigation group to her it’s a diff erent type of “When we talk to clients and community involvement, the Boston conversation and more of a prospective clients, it’s a diff erent type lawyer is happy to take on diff erent and of conversation and more of a part- varied roles. partnership.” nership,” she says. “It has been a really “My current practice is really dual,” litigation department for about four exciting journey, and the response from she says. “I think of myself as a trusted years, devoting a signifi cant amount clients has been very positive.” advisor and business partner with my of her time to strategic direction for Together with other members of the clients, counseling and advising them the 175 lawyers and professional fi rm, Perrelli volunteers at the Greater on business-related issues. But I also staff nationwide. Boston Food Bank. As an avid bike rider, love being in the court and have an She also played an active role in the she fundraises for and participates in active litigation practice.” integration of a new client service mod- the Best Buddies Hyannis Challenge as The matters Perrelli handles range el. Dubbed SeyfarthLean, the model well as the Pan-Mass Challenge. from trade secrets and restrictive combines principles of Lean Six Sigma She also is a member of the board of covenants to employer compliance with with an emphasis on technology and directors for the Greater Boston Cham- various statutes and regulations. an awareness that clients are looking ber of Commerce and the President’s Wearing an administrative hat, for innovative ways to get value for Advisory Council at Skidmore Perrelli has been chair of her fi rm’s their money. Even before the recession College. MLW

Congratulations to Boston partner, Kate Perrelli, named one of Lawyers Weekly ’ s 2014 Top Women in the Law.

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34 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW C E I C RC N LE LE Pauline Quirion of EXCEL Director, CORI & Re-entry Project; lead attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services | Northeastern University School of Law Pauline Quirion has dedicated her 21 “This was clearly something GBLS “I am most proud of the cases years at Greater Boston Legal Services needed to take on,” she says. not just to fighting for individual Her first success was a standing I’ve won in the SJC that have clients’ rights, but also to tackling order from the Boston Municipal helped to develop the law and systemic legal problems in prece- Court permitting a judge in one really help people get access dent-setting cases. division to seal records in the other She initially focused her work on seven courthouses, saving clients to justice, people who had domestic relations. Twice she success- multiple appearances and improving no voice in terms of the fully persuaded the Supreme Judicial judicial efficiency. justice system Court to expand protections for victims Quirion’s experience before the SJC of abuse. The first case,Champagne v. also helped when she argued a case and certainly Champagne, established that probate earlier this year on behalf of a client couldn’t courts could issue permanent domestic with “a tough history” who got sober afford a relations protection orders. In a later and tried to work with kids to dissuade case, Caplan v. Donovan, the court them from his former lifestyle. lawyer.” agreed with Quirion that judges can The client was seeking to have a DUI order certain types of abuse prevention conviction sealed. In August, the court orders without personal jurisdiction decided Commonwealth v. Pon, which over a defendant. created a new standard for determining Paternity issues also landed her in whether a defendant has established front of the state’s highest court. In good cause for sealing a record, easing Paternity of Cheryl, the SJC held that the burden for showing substantial children are protected from belated justice would best be served by sealing. challenges to paternity. “I am most proud of the cases I’ve Over the last five years, Quirion won in the SJC that have helped to has turned her attention to the issue develop the law and really help people of sealing criminal records as part of get access to justice, people who had her work as director of GBLS’ Criminal no voice in terms of the justice system Offender Record Information (CORI) & and certainly couldn’t afford a lawyer,” Re-entry Project. Quirion says. “Lots of people have past criminal When she isn’t advocating for records,” she explains, which can have her clients in the courtroom, Quirion serious repercussions for employment participates in the community. A opportunities. But because “people of member and mentor of the Women’s color are disparately involved in the Leadership Initiative of the Women’s criminal justice system, criminal records Bar Association, Quirion co-founded the have had a devastating impact partic- WBA’s Rosa Parks Committee for public ularly on Boston’s black community,” interest lawyers and volunteers for the she says, calling incarceration and CORI WBA’s Framingham Project by advising issues for minorities “the new Jim Crow women in jail on CORI-related issues. in this country.” Her expertise has resulted in two When Quirion realized the scope of MCLE publications, “Massachusetts the problem, she began advocating for Criminal Offender Record Information a change to the law regarding criminal (CORI) Law” and “Paternity and the Law record sealing. of Parentage.” MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 35 Regina E. Roman Partner, Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen | Harvard Law School

As a member of a family of who are actively involved in all kinds of “I am encouraged by the “highly opinionated talkers,” Regina leadership at the fi rm,” she says. “The E. Roman was a party to daily debates opportunity to be a part of keeping opportunities we have at the dinner table about politics and all those good things going has been developed for women social issues. exciting and rewarding.” who are actively involved The discussions taught her “the Roman prides herself on her repre- power of words to persuade and how to sentation of fellow attorneys, an indi- in all kinds of leadership disagree without being disagreeable,” cation of their respect by choosing her at the fi rm.” Roman notes. to counsel them in diffi cult situations. Those skills come in handy in both Recently, however, she has focused professionalism and ethics has also her practice — divided between insur- more on the insurance coverage side of been demonstrated as a former co- ance coverage and the representation her practice because of her appoint- chair of the Boston Bar Association’s of other attorneys — and as managing ment to the Board of Bar Overseers Ethics Committee and the Professional partner of her Boston fi rm. after two terms as a hearing offi cer. Liability Committee, as well as a mem- During her 15 years leading the “I am honored to be a member ber of the BBA’s Ad Hoc Committee on fi rm, Roman has played an important of the board, which serves a critical Bar Discipline. She currently serves role in developing family-friendly role in ensuring that the disciplinary on the Supreme Judicial Court’s policies, drafting the parental leave and process is fair and that attorneys Standing Advisory Committee on part-time policy still in place today. maintain the highest standards of the Rules of Professional Conduct, “I am encouraged by the opportu- conduct,” she says. which released proposed changes to nities we have developed for women Roman’s commitment to the rules last year. MLW

36 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Kristina K. Rost Founding partner, Maged & Rost | Suff olk University Law School

Kristina K. Rost is an example of the “I remember sitting there her a H1B visa. She says it was one of American dream. with my Black’s Law the most diffi cult cases she had ever Born in Siberia, Rost enrolled at worked on, but “it paid off to be able to Suff olk University Law School just three Dictionary right next to my help this human being to be safe.” years after moving to the United States Russian-English dictionary.” Rost is extremely involved in the with minimal English skills. American Immigration Lawyers As- “I remember sitting there with my clients, the bulk of her work involves sociation, where she chairs the Ethics Black’s Law Dictionary right next to my helping corporations navigate the Committee and is vice chair of the Russian-English dictionary,” she recalls. waters of immigration law. Practice & Professionalism Committee, After graduating with a joint JD/ Rost also gives back to the commu- and was elected to the board of MBA Rost opened a fi rm in Boston with nity, establishing a pro bono monthly directors for the U.S.-Russian Chamber Bradley Maged, intending to market to immigration clinic at the Brazilian of Commerce of New England, where Russian-speaking clients. But shortly Immigrant Center in Brighton as well as she will work to facilitate the rela- after they opened the doors, Rost was taking on individual cases. tionship between the business handling immigration issues and soon One of the most rewarding expe- communities of both found there was room for nothing else riences of her career involved the rep- countries, despite the in her practice. resentation of a woman whose family current friction. “I am the example of a realized had been executed in her native Baltic “Leaders will American dream and it is so fulfi lling to country and who wished to stay in the come and go, but help others do the same,” Rost says. United States. Rost not only helped the the people will While she handles some individual client fi nd a job but also helped her win stay,” she says. MLW

Goodwin Procter LLP is proud to support the 7th Annual Top Women of Law Event and congratulates

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Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 37 C E I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL Mary K. Ryan Partner, Nutter, McClennen & Fish | Boston College Law School

Timing was everything for Mary K. She then spent more than a decade as Ryan’s career in environmental litigation the chair of the SJC’s Standing Committee and land use. on Pro Bono Legal Services. Growing up, “being a lawyer was not Over the years, Ryan’s focus has considered to be one of the normal career expanded to recognition of the challenges options for women,” she says. of self-represented litigants and the need Bucking the common choices of teach- to expand the right to civil counsel. er or nurse, Ryan selected law school, an “One of the biggest hurdles our courts institution that was admitting increasing face right now is the number of people numbers of women. that come to court without a lawyer,” When she started working at Nutter, Ryan says. “The legal system is designed McClennen & Fish in Boston in the fall of to be an adversarial process with both 1980, she was still uncertain about what parties represented by the lawyer. But on practice area to focus on. But that Decem- the ground and in truth, that is not the ber Congress passed the Comprehensive case for courts dealing with real people.” Environmental Response, Compensation For Ryan, “there are certain categories and Liability Act, or CERCLA, and cases of cases where people will always need a began popping up around the country. lawyer to protect their rights,” like child “This terrifi c fi eld was just beginning custody and eviction. “A whole host of to open up and it was a particularly great issues need to be addressed in order to fi eld for women because there was no make sure that everyone in America has established bar,” Ryan says. “If you were a access to courts and justice,” she says, par- good lawyer and worked hard you could ticularly when fundamental human rights make a name for yourself.” are involved. “Ultimately, we will see that The burgeoning practice area allowed creating the right to counsel in cases like her the opportunity to make new law and eviction is not only the right thing to do, be involved in public policy. but the best thing for society.” “There is enormous satisfaction in Ryan continues to serve as chair of being able to help a client resolve a the American Bar Association’s Standing situation that is extremely troubling or Committee on Pro Bono and Public diffi cult for them,” Ryan says. Service, co-chair of the ABA’s Equal Justice Her drive to help fuels her encour- Conference, co-chair of the Boston Bar agement of fellow attorneys to provide Association’s Task Force on Civil Right to pro bono services to clients in need. As a Counsel and as a member of the rules member of the Supreme Judicial Court’s change subcommittee of the Legal Pro Bono Committee on Legal Services, Services Corporation’s Pro Bono Task Force she recommended adoption of Massa- Implementation Committee. chusetts Rule of Professional Conduct 6.1, She was a founding member of the which suggests an annual contribution of Women’s Bar Foundation’s Board of Direc- 25 pro bono hours. tors and the Real Estate Bar Association’s “It took considerable eff ort to achieve environmental committee, and has adoption of that rule and I was very satis- served as president of both the BBA and fi ed to be part of the process,” Ryan says. the Women’s Bar Association. MLW

38 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Rosanna Sattler Partner, Posternak, Blankstein & Lund | Harvard Law School

As an undergraduate, Rosanna “Space is my passion.” in space,” she says. Sattler was one of the women who Over a 20-year period, Sattler was integrated Yale University. Early in which she chairs. Sattler has served as a one of four sponsors for the Cambridge her law career, she took a chance and charter member of the Space Enterprise Chapter of Say Yes to Education, joined a breakaway firm that became Council, a member of the board of supporting 17 children from the second Posternak, Blankstein & Lund. A few directors of Women in Aerospace, and grade through a free college education. years later, she became the first female a founding member of the Women in All of the children earned a college partner at the firm. Aerospace Foundation, which provides degree, she says, and she remains in Joining Posternak on the ground scholarships to women who study touch with some of them, now in floor with just 14 attorneys allowed engineering, math or science at the their 30s. Sattler to develop a robust litigation undergraduate level. A charter member of the practice ranging from environmental “Space is my passion,” Sattler says, Boston Inn of Court, Sattler law to employment matters to insur- noting her first school paper was on is an annual lecturer at ance defense. The firm has now grown rockets, written at the age of 12. She Harvard University’s to 55 lawyers and Sattler serves on the still has the 40-page, single-spaced, Department of Land- executive committee. handwritten document. Melding her scape Architecture and She has also pioneered the practice passion with the law, she focuses on was appointed to the of space law, launching the firm’s space commercial uses of space, like tourism. Cambridge Commission on law and telecommunications group, “I would love to be the first lawyer the Status of Women. MLW

Brenda R. Sharton Partner, Goodwin Procter | Boston College Law School

Brenda R. Sharton fell in love where she made partner four days after “I was enamored with the with litigation. giving birth to her first child. courtroom.” Although she originally planned to “In my son’s baby album is a picture get an MBA and focus on the business of me with him that my husband of looking into allegations against the side of things, law school changed snapped,” after she heard the news founder of the Somaly Mam Founda- her mind. from the then-managing partner. “That tion, an international nonprofit organi- “I was enamored with the court- was a great week.” zation aimed at ending sex trafficking. room,” she says. Sharton managed to On the pro bono side, Sharton Mam has been accused of fabricating a combine her two interests and has provides legal assistance on behalf of personal history of sexual abuse. spent the last two decades as a business rape victims through the Victim Rights Sharton served as an adjunct pro- litigator. Along the way, she picked up Law Center. She has been involved with fessor at Boston College Law School for expertise in e-discovery and Internet the organization from its inception in several years, teaching a 2001 course in law and became a pioneer in the 2003, currently serves as co-chair of cyberlaw litigation long before it became area of privacy and data security. the board, and in addition to her own a hot area of law. She serves as legal Today, Sharton is a member time working on cases has supervised counsel for the New England section of of her firm’s executive committee attorneys at her firm who have donated the United States Tennis Association, and chairs the business litiga- more than 1,200 hours of time to drawing on her experience playing in tion group and the privacy the VRLC. college, participating in the 1984 Olym- and data security practice Sharton also led a team from her pic team trials, and as a former certified group at Goodwin Procter, firm in conducting the sensitive task teaching professional. MLW

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 39 E. Abim Thomas Counsel, Goodwin Procter | Georgetown University Law Center

E. Abim Thomas is a consummate part of that time serving as his deputy “I like being an advocate rule follower. chief legal counsel. Advising her clients to abide by laws “I feel very fortunate to be able to and a problem solver.” and regulations comes naturally to her, move back and forth between the public whether in the world of white-collar and private sectors,” she says. “I don’t school in Dorchester entirely funded by crime and government investigations think everyone gets the opportunity to donations. In lieu of paying tuition, or in the heavily regulated gaming and try out so many diff erent things.” a member of each student’s family gambling industry. Passionate about community involve- must volunteer at the school for “It might seem like I’m living in ment and giving back, Thomas has been a a few hours every week, which two diff erent worlds, but the common member of the Massachusetts Black Law- “provides an education for thread weaving through both practice yers Association for years and just fi nished kids who otherwise would areas is that, at the end of the day, I’m her term as president of the group. never get an education,” dealing with government regulators,” A member of the Women’s Bar Thomas says. she says. “I’m trying to fi gure out how Association and mentor for the Women’s Thomas is helping to reach a resolution so that the govern- Leadership Initiative, Thomas also raise funds to expand the ment feels that my client is not running serves on the Supreme Judicial Court’s institution into adding afoul of the rules and regulations. I like Standing Committee on Pro Bono middle school grades. being an advocate and a problem solver.” Legal Services. Pregnant with twins, she Thomas returned to private practice Outside the legal realm, Thomas is even put donations for the two years ago after working with Gov. a member of the board of directors for school on her baby shower Deval L. Patrick for almost six years, with Epiphany School, a private elementary registry. MLW

Ellen S. Wilbur Legal director, Community Legal Services and Counseling Center Boston University School of Law

Ellen S. Wilbur has devoted her Working with victims suff ering from and developed two interdisciplinary career to legal services and helping trauma and struggling to make sense high-risk assessment and rapid those in need. of the often-confusing court system, response teams for Arlington-Bel- She began with prisoner reform, Wilbur strives to empower her clients mont-Cambridge and Somerville. The moved on to women’s rights, worked through an interdisciplinary, collabora- teams — which include members of for the Department of Mental Health, tive approach. In her own practice and law enforcement, victims’ advocates and, in 1992, began her eff orts on through volunteer training, she tries and social services providers — meet behalf of domestic violence victims. to “widen the way we relate to clients once a month to perform assessments As legal director of Cambridge’s and see a bigger picture. When you are of high-risk situations posing concerns Community Legal Services and Coun- working with a client in trauma, you about serious physical harm. The goal seling Center, Wilbur focuses her family work out ways to help them take back is to increase communication and law practice on survivors of domestic control of their lives, and it requires a coordinate the necessary support for violence. She not only carries her own diff erent kind of listening and partici- the individuals involved. caseload involving child custody and pating with the client,” she says. In addition, Wilbur co-founded child support disputes, she also oversees “Lawyers are trained to be the voice HUGS — Help Us Get Safe— in Sharon the organization’s corps of volunteers. for somebody else. What we do here and Foxboro and serves as an associate That means she recruits, teaches, is retrain ourselves to be a co-voice,” member of the Massachusetts Coalition mentors and supervises the she adds. for Supervised Visitation, for which she volunteer attorneys, taking them Wilbur’s passion for helping victims recently authored a guide for attorneys to court, reviewing pleadings and of domestic violence extends to her on the issues of supervised visitation assigning cases for the best match. community activities. She established and domestic violence. MLW

40 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW C E I C RC N LE LE Kimberly E. Winter of EXCEL Partner, White, Freeman & Winter | Suffolk University Law School

Passionate about promoting women raising money in politics,” she says. Winter serves on the WBA’s board of in political leadership, Kimberly E. Win- Winter’s own practice came about as directors and as co-chair of the group’s ter is willing to do just about anything. something of an accident. employment issues committee. She March in a Fourth of July parade in Her first career was as a registered is actively involved in the Massachu- 100-degree heat? Sure thing. Stand out nurse. But after chatting with a lawyer setts Bar Association as a member of by the town dump several weekends in at a conference, she walked in to take the membership and lawyer referral a row to chat with voters? Absolutely. the LSAT and did well enough to apply service committees. “I have no interest myself in running to law school. Winter also gives her time to “My for political office, but I am very “That was kind of how it happened,” Brother’s Keeper,” a nonprofit that interested in making sure that women Winter says laughing. provides furniture and holiday are well represented in all branches She now concentrates on health care gifts for the economically of politics,” says Winter, who practices litigation, particularly complex medical disadvantaged, as well as in Weston. malpractice issues. Neighbor Brigade, which She began her political involvement “Even though some of the legal provides meals and about 15 years ago supporting her issues remain the same, the medical other services for friend Martha Coakley in her first run issues are completely different from those who are ill or for district attorney. Coakley’s victory case to case,” she says, making every bereaved. MLW spurred Winter into continuing her day different and interesting. work, most recently as a member of Katherine Clark’s finance committee in “It takes real money to be involved in the her successful campaign for Congress. political process, which in some cases “Historically, it’s been hard for women candidates to raise money, means real sacrifice to make sure that but things are getting much better,” women move forward.” Winter notes. When she asked women for dona- Although law was not a planned tions to Coakley’s first campaign, the career path for Winter, “I feel like I am response was less than overwhelming. really lucky to be part of a profession “They might come up with $10 or where we can do something and it say they needed to ask their husband,” can make an enormous difference in a she recalls. “But it takes real money client’s life,” she says. to be involved in the political process, In addition to participating in formal which in some cases means real mentoring relationships such as the sacrifice to make sure that women Women’s Bar Association’s Women’s move forward.” Leadership Initiative, Winter typically Winter has seen progress, as Clark’s hires a high school or college student finance committee was comprised for the summer who she allows to mainly of women. “That’s the first shadow her movements. Some of the time I’ve seen that and I felt so good students have approached her after her about it.” Weston High School career day presen- All of these efforts can be traced to tation, where she organizes a mock Winter’s belief in giving back. trial on a teenager-relevant issue — “It is our complete responsibility social host liability for throwing a party, to give a hand up to women coming for example. up the ranks, however it needs to be: Past president of the Massachu- helping people in their practice or setts Academy of Trial Attorneys,

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